LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Friday the club had signed defender Ramzi Qawasmy ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season after a successful preseason trial for the former Providence College standout. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The signing marks Qawasmy’s first professional contract, who this past season for the Friars received United Soccer Coaches All-East Region First Team and All-Big East Conference Second Team honors.

“We have had Ramzi in on trial over the last few weeks, and he has done an excellent job playing a lot of minutes for us against tough competition,” said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. “He is a physically strong center back who has a lot of quality on the ball. When we look at how he has integrated with the group and, most importantly, the type of person that he is, we feel he will be a great fit for us this year. His mentality, work rate and willingness to show up ready to learn every single day put him in a great position to be successful here.”

From Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Qawasmy played five years at Providence, and after arriving this preseason with LouCity showed his level immediately. In the club’s first preseason game, Qawasmy helped the side keep a clean sheet against Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC. That day, the opposition featured striker Hany Mukhtar, last year’s MLS Most Valuable Player.

“It is a dream come true to sign my first professional contract, especially with Louisville City FC,” said Qawasmy. “Ever since I stepped into the team, my experience here has been nothing but exceptional. From the coaching staff, the players, along with the rest of those in the organization, everyone has made this place feel like home, which has helped me adapt in such a short amount of time.

“I have really enjoyed entering into a very successful organization and being surrounded by a club with a winning mentality. The guys have shown the standard of the club, and I cannot wait to continue to learn and add to it. I’m very excited to get started and help the club chase a championship.”

Qawasmy played in the youth academy ranks for the Philadelphia Union before going on to make the Big East All-Freshman Team in 2018, marking the first of many accolades at Providence. He started all 17 games of his final collegiate season and delivered in pressure moments, ranking second on his team with four goals scored — three of them from the penalty spot.

“We are excited for Ramzi,” said Providence Head Coach Craig Stewart. “During his time here he put in a lot of work to establish himself as one of the top defenders in the Big East and college soccer. We feel this is a great club for him to continue his development and start his professional career.”