Breakers Sign Local Defender D’Agostino

Bianca D'Agostino is introduced as a member of the Atlanta Beat last year (Photo: womensprosoccer.com).

It turns out that you really can go home again. Just ask Bianca D’Agostino.

The 23-year-old Longmeadow, Mass. native was signed by the Boston Breakers, the team announced on Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

D’Agostino was taken 18th overall by Philadelphia in last year’s WPS Draft before she signed on with Atlanta during the 2011 season. The 5-3 defender, who can push into the midfield when needed, played in 10 games with the Beat and was recently called into the U.S. Women’s National Team U-23 camp in Florida.

“It’s really exciting to come play in Massachusetts because it is basically the first time in five years I’ve had the chance to play close to home,” D’Agostino said in a statement. “Boston is a great city to live in with a lot of love and passion for sports, and my family and friends are all very excited to come support me and the Breakers this season.”

In addition to returning to her home state, D’Agostino, who played collegiately at Wake Forest from 2008-10, is also looking forward to playing with a few familiar faces.

“I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play with a few other players from the Breakers other than Cat (Whitehill),” D’Agostino said. “I can’t wait to play with Cat again, she was a great teammate and mentor for me last season. I also have played with Shep (Katie Schoepfer), Elli Reed, Keelin Winters, and Alyssa Naeher. I know the Breakers have a great group of girls, and I look forward to playing with them.”

The Breakers open up their preseason camp on Mar. 1. But, for the hometown soccer star, who happens to hail from the same hometown as Revolution head coach Jay Heaps, the preseason can’t start soon enough.

“I’m ready for the offseason to be over and get back into trainings and games,” said D’Agostino. “I think this will be a positive year, and I’m really excited to be able to share it with my hometown family and fans.”