ATHENS, Greece  – Former University of Hartford men's soccer midfielder James Stamopoulos has continued his career overseas, as he recently signed with Kallithea F.C., a Greek professional football club based in Kallithea. Stamopoulos enjoyed a stellar four-year career with the Hawks that spanned from 2009-2012.

"It is exciting for James and his family to live his dream of playing professional soccer in his family's home country of Greece," exclaimed head coach Tom Poitras, who enters his fifth season at the helm of the Hawks. Stamopoulos' final two seasons were played under Poitras.

Kallithea F.C. is a well-known team throughout the country. The club was founded in August 1966 from the merger of five local clubs: Esperos, Iraklis, AE Kallitheas, Kallithaikos, and Pyrsos. Kallithea F.C. is currently competing in the Football League, which is the second division of the Greek professional football system.

Stamopoulos signed with Kallithea F.C. in January and made his debut last month at the Olympic Stadium against A.E.K. Athens F.C., which is one of the most historic clubs in Greece.

During his four seasons in a Hawk uniform, Stamopoulos started in 59 of the 62 games he played in. As a four-year midfielder, he registered 22 career points on seven goals and eight assists, while netting three game-winning goals. In addition, Stamopoulos helped Hartford's defense post 18 shutouts while piloting the program to the title match of the America East Championship as a junior in 2011.

"James has been striving for a contract and we are happy he has reached his goals," Poitras continued. "He is a positive representative of the University of Hartford and our soccer program. James helped us lay the ground work for the success our program has seen in the last two years."

Off the field, Stamopoulos excelled as well. Earning America East Academic Honor Roll accolades all four seasons, including two Commissioner's Honor Roll placements in 2009 and 2012, he garnered America East All-Academic Team accolades a program-best three times during his career. In 2013, the Mississauga, Ontario, native graduated from the Barney School of Business with a degree in marketing.