All Scores

NWSL announces list of players available in college draft

Alika Jenner/Getty Images

The 2022 NWSL College Draft is on Saturday, with the NWSL announcing on Tuesday the full list of players available to be drafted.

As expected, Florida State midfielder Jaelin Howell has declared for the NWSL College Draft and will likely be selected first overall by San Diego, sources told Just Women’s Sports.

Others included on the list are Naomi Girma from Stanford and Penelope Hocking from Southern California, Just Women’s Sports’ projected second and third picks in the draft.

The 2022 NWSL Draft presented by Ally will stream live on Paramount+, the CBS Sports HQ Twitch channel and on the CBS Sports HQ and NWSL YouTube channels. CBS Sports HQ will also stream the draft from 2-4 PM, ET. Both drafts will stream internationally outside the U.S. on the NWSL’s Twitch channel.

Final list of players registered for the 2022 NWSL Draft, in alphabetical order:

Last Name First Name School/University Position(s) Played Hometown Youth Club Citizenship
Adams Haileigh University of Colorado – Boulder Defender Pasadena, California Golden State United States
Adams Leslie Siena College Goalkeeper Collegeville, PA Reading Rage United States
Alexander Tinaya Louisiana State University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Reading, England Arsenal Women Youth Academy United Kingdom
Anderson Taylor University of Richmond Midfielder Peachtree Corners, Georgia Concorde Fire United States
Arthurs Carli Stephen F. Austin State University Forward, Defender Lewisville, Texas Solar Soccer Club United States
Aviza Shannon St. John’s University Midfielder, Defender Medway, Massachusetts Boston Breakers United States
Bardes Erica Central Connecticut State University Midfielder, Defender Montvale, New Jersey World Class FC United States
Bass Jasmine New Jersey City University Forward, Midfielder Middletown, New York TOWS (Town of Walkill Soccer Club) United States
Beckman Natalie University of Denver Forward, Midfielder Aurora, Colorado Colorado Rapids (Colorado Storm) United States
Beletic Isabella University of Incarnate Word Midfielder, Defender Corpus Christi, Texas Classics Elite / Athenians United States
Belisle Mollie University of Georgia Forward Atlanta, Georgia Concorde Fire United States
Bennett Elysa Washington State University Forward De Pere, Wisconsin FC Wisconsin Eclipse (ECNL) United States
Bentick Aysha University of Louisiana – Monroe Midfielder, Defender London, England Millwall Lionesses United Kingdom
Berry Olivia Benedictine College Goalkeeper Cedar Hill, Missouri WC St. Louis United States
Bike Jenna Boston College Forward Trumbull, Connecticut Connecticut Football Club United States
Bloomer Jordyn University of Wisconsin – Madison Goalkeeper Hartland, Wisconsin FC Wisconsin United States
Bostard Haley Grand Canyon University Midfielder, Defender Discovery Bay, California West Coast Wild United States
Bova Marisa Purdue University Goalkeeper Hartland, Wisconsin SC Waukesha (SC Wave) United States
Breslin Hope University of Illinois Forward, Mifielder Massapequa, New York East Meadow Soccer Club United States
Briede Belle Stanford University Forward, Midfielder Alpharetta, Georgia Tophat Soccer Club United States
Brown Ryanne Wake Forest University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Indianapolis, Indiana Indiana Fire United States
Brummett Gabi University of Portland Forward, Midfielder Bow, New Hampshire FC Stars of Massachusetts United States
Bruster Kayla University of Georgia Defender Smyrna, Georgia Tophat Soccer Club United States
Caffey Tiana Louisiana State University Midfielder, Defender Port St. Lucie, Florida Space Coast United United States
Cahalan Claire University of Toledo Forward, Mifielder Ann Arbor, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Camberos Scarlett University of California – Irvine Forward, Midfielder Chula Vista, California Albion Soccer Club United States/Mexico
Campbell Raenah Drexel University Forward Skaneateles, New York Syracuse Developmental Academy United States
Canales Marley University of California – Los Angeles Midfielder San Diego, California San Diego Surf United States
Cardozo Ashley Utah State University Forward, Midfielder Salt Lake City, Utah La Roca United States
Cavanaugh Meghan University of South Florida Forward, Midfielder Clifton Park, New York New York Elite FC United States
Chang Lauren University of South Carolina Midfielder Alpharetta, Georgia Tophat Soccer Club United States
Cherry Mackenzie Coastal Carolina University Midfielder, Defender Canton, Georgia Atlanta Concorde Fire ECNL United States
Cleverley Daisy Georgetown University Midfielder Auckland, New Zealand Western Springs Club AFC New Zealand
Coleman Gabriella Oklahoma State University Forward Keller, Texas D’Feeters Soccer Club/ DKSC United States
Cook Ava Michigan State University Forward Battle Creek, Michigan Midwest United – Kalamazoo United States
Correa De Oliveira Julia Chicago State University Forward, Midfielder Canoas, Brazil EC Pelotas Phoenix Brazil
Cosme Caitlin Duke University Defender New Hyde Park, New York Albertson Fury 98 United States
Cowart Jessika University of Washington Midfielder, Defender Redwood City, California Palo Alto Soccer Club United States
Cummings Sydney Georgetown University Defender Millstone Township, New Jersey FC Copa Academy United States
Curran Chardonnay University of Oregon Midfielder, Defender Ewa Beach, Hawaii Hawaii Rush United States
DeMarco Giovanna Wake Forest University Midfielder Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania Match Fit Academy United States
DeMelo Savannah University of Southern California Forward, Midfielder Bellflower, California Beach Futbol Club United States
Dennis Chyanne University of South Florida Midfielder, Defender Sunrise, Florida Orlando City ECNL United States/Jamaica
DePriest Peyton Middle Tennessee State University Forward, Midfielder Franklin, Tennessee Tennessee Soccer Club United States
Dickey Claudia University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Goalkeeper Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte Soccer Academy United States
Dierickx Natalie Western Washington University Goalkeeper Kirkland, Washington Crossfire Premier FC United States
DiGenova Marissa Temple University Forward, Midfielder, Defender King of Prussia, Pennsylvania FC Delco United States
Diwura Soale Wasila Louisiana State University Midfielder Accra, Ghana Hasaacas Ladies FC Ghana
Doyle Darby Western Washington University Midfielder Spokane, Washington Spokane Shadow G98 United States
Doyle Julie Santa Clara University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Newport Beach, California San Diego Surf Soccer Club United States
Edwards Hannah Grand Canyon University Defender Aurora, Colorado Colorado Storm ECNL United States
Elwell Madison Vanderbilt University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Ambler, Pennsylvania YMS Xplosion United States
Enciso Sabrina University of Arizona Defender Moreno Valley, California SoCal Blues United States
Fishel Mia University of California – Los Angeles Forward, Midfielder San DIego, California San Diego Surf SC United States
Fisher Samantha University of Notre Dame Forward, Midfielder Simi Valley, California Real So Cal United States
Fregulia Kaitlin Cal State University – Long Beach Forward, Defender Torrance, California Beach Futbol Club United States
Frerker Andrea Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Midfielder, Defender Maryville, Illinois Loufusz Soccer Club United States
Gareis Ryan University of South Carolina Forward Naperville, Illinois Sockers FC Chicago ECNL United States
Gee Tatum Princeton University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Long Beach, California Beach Futbol Club United States
Girma Naomi Stanford University Defender San Jose, California N/A United States
Golob Lana Virgina Commonwealth University Defender Recica ob Paki, Slovenia ŽNK Nona Pomurje Slovenia
Grant Jazmin University of Houston Forward, Midfielder Atascocita , Texas Texas Rush United States
Gray Emily Virginia Tech University Midfielder Sewell, New Jersey Penn Fusion Soccer Academy United States
Green Deanna University of South Alabama Midfielder, Defender Madison, Mississippi Mississippi Rush United States
Griffith Sarah Purdue University Forward, Midfielder Naperville, Illinois Team Chicago United States
Grosso Julia University of Kentucky Midfielder, Defender Sunrise, Florida Sunrise Sting United States
Guion Renee Clemson University Defender Simpsonville, South Carolina Carolina Elite Soccer Academy United States
Halvorsen Kaile Santa Clara University Forward, Midfielder Honolulu, Hawaii Surf Hawaii United States
Hancuff Hensley Clemson University Goalkeeper Edmond, Oklahoma Orlando Pride DA Club United States
Hand Jacqueline Colorado College Forward, Midfielder Auckland, New Zealand Auckland Football Federation New Zealand
Hansen Taylor University of Montana Defender Cardiff by the Sea, California San Diego Surf Soccer Club United States
Harber Jojo Stanford University Forward, Defender Bellevue, Washington Eastside FC/Crossfire ECNL United States
Harding Audrey University of North Carolina – Wilmington Forward, Midfielder Akron, Ohio Ohio Premier United States
Harkleroad Emma University of South Dakota Goalkeeper Geneva, Illinois Strikers Fox Valley United States
Harr Jordie Texas Tech University Forward, Midfielder Sachse, Texas Sting Soccer United States
Harriot Madiya Vanderbilt University Midfielder, Defender Davie, Florida Sunrise Sting United States
Harris Tiana Kent State University Defender Whitby, Canada FC Durham Academy Canada
Heckman Isabel Murray State University Defender Powder Springs, Georgia Southern Soccer Academy United States
Hopcroft Shanade University of Colorado – Boulder Forward, Midfielder Aylesbury, England Middlesex U17’s United Kingdom
Howell Jaelin Florida State University Midfielder Lone Tree, Colorado Real Colorado United States
Hussen Ameera University of Washington Forward, Midfielder Federal Way, Washington Crossfire Premier FC United States
Hylton-Pelaia Jayda Arizona State University Defender Brampton, Ontario Woodbridge Soccer Club Canada
Ikeda Angelique Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Midfielder, Defender Saint Charles, Missouri Loufusz Soccer Club United States
Irwin Jamie University of New Hampshire Defender Roxbury, New Jersey STA Morris United United States
Jacobs Karen San Bernardino Valley College Forward Redlands, California Pateadores Soccer Club United States
Jacobsen Eden University of Utah Midfielder North Salt Lake, Utah La Roca United States
Kajan Zsanett St. John’s University Forward, Midfielder Budapest, Hungary Ferencvarosi Torna Club Hungary
Kearse-Thomas Olivia Arizona State University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Phoenix, Arizona Del Sol United States
Kelley-Lusk Hannah West Texas A&M University Forward Farmington, New Mexico N/A United States
Killman Jenna Western Washington University Forward, Midfielder Olympia, Washington Washington Premier FC United States
Kirton Alexa University of New Mexico Midfielder Sammamish, Washington Eastside FC United States
Knox Alexus Georgia State University Defender Powder Springs, Georgia BUSA ECNL United States
Kowalski Amanda Butler University Midfielder, Defender Arlington Heights, Illinois Eclipse Select Soccer Club United States
Kouzelos Gabrielle University of Louisville Goalkeeper Wadsworth, Ohio Internationals Soccer Club United States
Kuehn Athena Lousiana State University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Colorado Springs, Colorado Colorado Pride Predators United States/Germany
LaMacchia Elaina University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Forward, Midfielder, Defender, Goalkeeper Mequon, Wisconsin SC Waukesha United States
Lampe Brooke University of North Texas Forward, Midfielder, Defender, Goalkeeper Mansfield, Texas Solar Chelsea ZuaZua United States
Laurendeau Marika The College of Saint Rose Goalkeeper Sainte-Julie, Canada CS Longueuil Canada
Layne Emerson Loveland High School Forward, Midfielder Fort Collins, Colorao Real Colorado United States
Leal Amanda Cal State University – Stanislaus Goalkeeper Mountain House, California West Coast Soccer Club United States
Lee Shannon Claire George Mason University Defender Haymarket, Virginia McLean ECNL United States
Lewis Sofia Minot State University Forward, Midfielder Minot, North Dakota Minot Soccer Association United States
Livingstone Kelly Ann Georgetown University Midfielder, Defender Glen Ridge, New Jersey Match Fit Academy United States
Loughman Raleigh University of Michigan Midfielder San Diego, California MVLA Soccer Club United States/Argentina
Lucci Carolina Chowan University Forward Monaca, Pennsylvania North United United States
Lundgren Jenna Western Illinois University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Elmhurst, Illinois Oak Brook Soccer Club, Eclipse United States
Martin Molly University of Mississippi Forward, Midfielder Memphis, Tennessee Memphis Lobos/BUSA United States
Mayer Anna Missouri Western State University Goalkeeper Duluth, Minnesota East Select Soccer United States
McCarthy Robyn Cal State University – Fresno Midfielder, Defender Brentwood, California West Coast Soccer Club United States
McClure Megan Arkansas State University Goalkeeper Webster Groves, Missouri St. Louis Scott Gallagher (ECNL) and United Women’s Soccer (UWS) United States
McLaughlin Christine Christendom College Forward, Midfielder, Defender Fauquier, Virginia Virginia Soccer Association United States
McManus Mikenna Northeastern University Defender Lake Forest, California West Coast Futbol Club United States
McMillan Caylon Stephen F. Austin State University Midfielder Forney, Texas FC Dallas 98G ECNL United States
McNally Natalie Western Carolina University Defender Grayslake, Illinois Greater Libertyville Soccer Association United States
McNulty Hannah Providence College Forward Warwick, Rhode Island Bayside FC United States
Medina Jodi Alabama A&M University Goalkeeper Coral Springs, Florida Coral Springs United FC United States
Menta Jenna Wake Forest University Forward, Midfielder Somers, New York New York Soccer Club United States
Miagkova Alina Syracuse University Defender Lipetsk, Russia Lokomotiv Moscow Russia
Mitchell Alexis University of South Dakota Midfielder Lee’s Summit, Missouri Sporting Blue Valley ECNL United States
Morgan Charmé Oklahoma State University Midfielder, Defender Frisco, Texas Dallas Texans United States
Moser Louisa George Mason University Forward, Goalkeeper Fairfax, Virginia SC Freiburg Germany
Murnin Madison University of Central Florida Midfielder, Defender Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville FC United States
Myers Erica University of Tennessee – Martin Goalkeeper Holland, Ohio Metro FC Toledo United States
Nabet Lily Duke University Midfielder Los Angeles, California Real So Cal United States
Nasello Sydny University of South Florida Defender Millstone Township, New Jersey FC Copa Academy United States
Ochoa Rodriguez Paola Missouri Valley College Forward, Midfielder Sioux City, Iowa South Sioux Soccer United States
Ordoñez Diana University of Virginia Forward Prosper, Texas FC Dallas United States
Palacios Randi Liberty University Goalkeeper Ashburn, Virginia Football Club of Virginia United States
Pantaleao Ermelinda University of Louisiana – Monroe Defender Belo Horizonte, Brazil N/A Brazil
Pedroza Siera Hope International University Forward, Midfielder, Goalkeeper Tustin, California Wolfpack United States
Perez Maia University of Hartford Goalkeeper Kentwood, Michigan Midwest United  FC Women United States
Peters Sarah University of Kansas Goalkeeper Lee’s Summit, Missouri Sporting DA United States
Peterson Karstyn Utah State University Forward, Defender West Haven, Utah La Roca United States
Philpotts Rachel University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Midfielder, Defender Linden, Michigan Nationals Soccer Club United States
Potts Nicola Ball State University Forward, Midfielder Nuneaton, England Aston Villa Women United Kingdom
Proulx Lysianne Syracuse University Goalkeeper Boucherville, Canada AS Varennes Canada
Provenzano Gabby Rutgers University Midfielder, Defender Sergeantsville, New Jersey Players Development Academy United States
Pulver Sydney Washington State University Midfielder, Defender Parker, Colorado Real Colorado United States
Pursey Valentine Western Carolina University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Ticehurst, England Brighton and Hove Albion United Kingdom
Rabot Iris James Madison University Midfielder Lyon, France Olympique Lyonnais France
Reiss de Araujo Thais University of North Florida Forward, Midfielder, Defender Jacksonville, Florida U-17/U-20 Brazilian National Team Brazil
Reyes Calista Pepperdine University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Las Vegas, Nevada Eagles Soccer Club United States
Ries Taryn University of Portland Forward Ridgefield, Washington FC Portland United States
Ritchie-Williams Chiara Louisiana State University Midfielder, Defender London, England Arsenal Women’s Football Club United Kingdom
Rockwell Jenna University of the Cumberlands Defener London, Kentucky Lexington FC United States
Rodriguez Izzy Ohio State University Midfielder, Defender Canton, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Roelfsema Mijke Rice University Midfielder, Defender Schoonhoven, Netherlands ADO Den Haag Netherlands
Ross Julianne Northeastern University Defender Cumberland, Rhode Island Boston Breakers/NEFC United States
Salvador Romane California Baptist University Goalkeeper Lyon, France Paris Saint-Germain PSG France
Santos Ashley Illinois State University Midfielder, Defender Naperville, Illinois Team Chicago Academy United States
Sapp Mercedes University of North Florida Goalkeeper Orlando, Florida Orlando City Elite United States
Schill MacKenzie University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Forward, Midfielder Pewaukee, Wisconsin SC Wave United States
Schimmer Marleen Grand Canyon University Forward, Midfielder Mainz, Germany TSV Schott Mainz Germany
Sever Jelena University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Forward, Midfielder Milwaukee, Wisconsin United Serbians Soccer Club United States
Shepherd Lucy Hofstra University Forward Worcester, England Aston Villa Women United Kingdom
Silva Santos Ana Paula WIlliam Carey University Midfielder Sao Paulo, Brazil N/A Brazil
Skiba Bridgette Oregon State University Goalkeeper Portland, Oregon Westside Timbers United States
Sodoma Sarah Arkansas State University Midfielder, Defender St. Louis, Missouri Lou Fusz Soccer Club United States
Stackpole Haleigh University of Mississippi Forward, Midfielder Bowling Green, Kentucky NC Courage Academy United States
Stauffer Annie Transylvania University Midfielder, Defender Owensboro, Kentucky Indy Fire Juniors ECNL United States
Steigleder Regan Northwestern University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Iowa City, Iowa Michigan Hawks United States
Steinwascher Cecelia Grand Valley State University Midfielder, Defender Sterling Heights, Michigan N/A United States
Stephan Dani Michigan State University Midfielder, Defender DeWitt, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Stevenson Erin University of Maryland – Baltimore County Midfielder, Defender Sellersville, Pennsylvania FC Bucks United States
Suarez Quevedo Sara Chicago State University Forward, Midfielder Las Palmas, Spain Union Viera Spain
Talbot Madeline Stephen F. Austin State University Goalkeeper Shreveport, Louisiana Shreveport United United States
Talley Jada University of Southern California Forward Corona, California So Cal Blues United States
Taylor Miriael Hofstra University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Kent, England Chelsea Women, Arsenal Women United Kingdom
Thomas Haley Boston College Midfielder, Defender Kennewick, Washington Three Rivers Soccer Club United States
Thompson Jordan Gonzaga University Defender Sumner, Washington Washington Premier FC United States
Thompson Kayla Brown University Goalkeeper Austin, Texas Lonestar Soccer Club United States
Thron Julietta Northwestern University Midfielder, Defender Caldwell, New Jersey Matchfit FC United States
Tripp Amber Utah Valley University Forward, Midfielder Draper, Utah Utah Avalanche United States
Van der Jagt Olivia University of Washington Midfielder Kent, Washington Eastside FC United States
Villagrana Yossimar Butler Community College Midfielder Wichita, Kansas Wichita Kansas Rush United States
Walker Ellie University of Portland Defender Vancouver, Washington FC Portland United States
Wandt Jennifer Baylor University Goalkeeper Brookfield, Wisconsin FC Wisconsin United States
Weaver Camille Colorado College Midfielder, Defender Bend, Oregon Bend FC Timbers United States
Wegener Emory University of Georgia Goalkeeper Alpharetta, Georgia Atlanta Fire United United States
West Alex University of Vermont Midfielder, Defender New York, New York Albertson Fury United States
Westin Emma University of California – Berkeley Forward, Midfielder Stockholm, Sweden Boo FF Sweden Sweden
Whitmore Lindsey Southern Methodist University Forward, Midfielder Henderson, Nevada Heat FC United States
Winebrenner Jenna Texas Christian University Defender Kansas City, Missouri Futura FC United States
Wiseman Ebony James Madison University Midfielder King’s Lynn, England Norwich City FC United Kingdom
Wolfbauer Madison Bowling Green State University Forward, Midfielder Canton, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Zamiela Chloe University of South Florida Forward, Defender Stuart, Florida Sunrise SC United States
Zerva Theoni University of Louisiana – Monroe Midfielder, Defender Kalamata, Greece PAOK Greece
Zullo Luciana University of South Carolina Forward, Midfielder Flemington, New Jersey PDA United States
Zuniga Jenna Cal State University – Stanislaus Midfielder, Defender Manteca, California Davis Legacy United States

Amanda Anisimova Advances to 2025 Wimbledon Final by Ousting No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka

US tennis star Amanda Anisimova reacts to her 2025 Wimbledon semifinal win over Aryna Sabalenka.
With her 2025 Wimbledon semifinal win, Anisimova reached her first career Grand Slam final. (Tim Clayton/Getty Images)

US tennis star and world No. 12 Amanda Anisimova continued her breakthrough 2025 Wimbledon run on Thursday, taking down No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to punch a ticket to her first career Grand Slam final.

"This doesn't feel real right now," Anisimova said after winning the 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 semifinal thriller. "I don't know how I pulled it out."

"It was such a rollercoaster match," the 23-year-old told ESPN. "[Sabalenka] is such a tough competitor, and I really had to give it my all to fight there to get the win."

As the first US player to reach a Wimbledon final since Serena Williams in 2019 — and the youngest from the US since Williams' 2004 run — Anisimova's meteoric 2025 rise comes just 18 months after she took an extended mental health break from tennis.

"A lot of people told me that you would never make it to the top again if you take so much time away from the game," she said. "So just me being able to prove that you can get back to the top if you prioritize yourself, that's been incredibly special to me."

Anisimova's semifinal win also continues a unique pattern for her home country, as Saturday's championship match is now the fourth straight Grand Slam final to feature a US player — a streak dating back to No. 3 Jessica Pegula's 2024 US Open championship appearance.

Even more, should Anisimova emerge victorious on Saturday, she'll join 2025 Australian Open champion No. 8 Madison Keys and 2025 French Open winner No. 2 Coco Gauff in continuing a US sweep of this year's Grand Slams.

Anisimova to face Świątek in 2025 Wimbledon final

To do so, however, Anisimova will have to defeat five-time Grand Slam winner and world No. 4 Iga Świątek in what will be the pair's first-ever senior-level match on Saturday.

Like Anisimova, the 24-year-old Polish phenom is on an unexpected Wimbledon run, as the London Slam's grass courts have historically hampered the clay-court specialist.

That said, Świątek dominated her Thursday semifinal against Switzerland's No. 35 Belinda Bencic, booking her spot in Saturday's title match in two quick 6-2, 6-0 sets.

"Tennis keeps surprising me," she said after the match. "I thought I had experienced everything on the court, but I hadn't experienced playing well on grass. That's the first time."

"Honestly, I never even dreamt that it was possible for me to play the [Wimbledon] finals, so I'm just super excited and proud of myself," Świątek added.

As for Anisimova, she's taking her championship match against the decorated Świątek in stride.

"I'm sure it'll be an amazing match. Getting to compete against an unbelievable player again is going to be super special," said the rising US star.

"Obviously I haven't been in a Grand Slam final before, but I've experienced a lot of moments similar and a lot of high-stakes matches," Anisimova noted. "I'm just gonna go out and enjoy every moment and try to not think about what’s on the line."

How to watch the 2025 Wimbledon championship match

With this year's tournament guaranteed to crown a first-time Wimbledon champion, Anisimova will battle Świątek for the London Slam's trophy at 11 AM ET on Saturday.

The final will air live on ESPN.

USWNT Legend Tobin Heath Hangs Up Her Boots, Officially Announces Retirement

USWNT star Tobin Heath triumphantly yells while holding the 2019 World Cup after winning the final.
Heath retires as a two-time World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. (Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Legendary USWNT attacker Tobin Heath officially announced her retirement from soccer on Thursday, nearly three years after playing her final professional match.

"Over New Year's, I actually came to the full acceptance that I wasn't going to be playing," the 37-year-old explained on her podcast, The RE-CAP Show.

In her 13 years with the senior national team, Heath — widely regarded as one of the most technical players in US history — earned two World Cup titles (2015, 2019) and three Olympic medals (gold in 2008 and 2012, and bronze in 2021).

Across her 181 USWNT caps, the 2016 US Soccer Athlete of the Year logged 36 goals and 42 assists, making her final appearance for the States on October 26th, 2021.

At the club level, Heath spent seven seasons with the Portland Thorns, helping the team to NWSL Championships in 2013 and 2017, as well as the 2016 NWSL Shield.

While her career also included European stints with the Première Ligue's PSG as well as WSL sides Manchester United and Arsenal, Heath ended her pro run with the 2022 NWSL Shield-winning Seattle Reign, playing what would be her final soccer match on August 14th of that year.

Injury ends Heath's soccer career

The end of Heath's career is not what the creative, nutmegging winger anticipated.

"I thought I was literally going to be peeled off the field," Heath told The Athletic on Wednesday.

However, a 2022 serious left knee injury left Heath unable to play soccer — even at a casual level — ultimately forcing her retirement.

"I tried f---ing everything to get back, I spent tens of thousands of dollars and [had] two surgeries, one crazy surgery," Heath said on her podcast. "And the whole time I believed I was going to get back."

"Football is a 360-degree sport, and I can't do it," she told The Athletic. "So that part is the hardest part. The actual playing of soccer is gone."

USWNT icon Tobin Heath speaks at a 2024 Grassroot Soccer event.
In her three years off the pitch, Heath is still elevating women's soccer. (Valerie Terranova/Getty Images)

Heath still working to lift up women's soccer in retirement

Despite coming to terms with the end of her on-pitch career, Heath isn't leaving the world of soccer anytime soon, helping lead the newly launched World Sevens Football and joining FIFA's technical study group for the men's Club World Cup.

Elevating football — particularly the women's game — is a pursuit that began for Heath with the Portland Thorns.

"[Portland] showed what women's sports could be," she explained. "I was dreaming of the world that I wanted to create."

The 2019 World Cup run then solidified that mission, with the USWNT adding a fourth star to their crest while also facing a pressure-cooker of expectations amid political tension and a contentious fight for equal pay.

"You can't feel what we felt...and not believe that you're doing something so f---ing important for the world," said Heath.

"You feel that responsibility — and that's what it is — and you want to keep carrying that responsibility as far forward as you can."

Rising USWNT Star Mia Fishel Inks Record NWSL Contract with Seattle Reign

Forward Mia Fishel poses in a Seattle Reign jersey after signing with the NWSL club.
Fishel's multi-year deal with the Seattle Reign runs through 2029. (Seattle Reign FC/Jane Gershovich)

USWNT and Chelsea FC forward Mia Fishel is officially heading back to the States, with the Seattle Reign announcing that the 24-year-old signed with the NWSL club on Thursday.

The multi-year deal will see Fishel join Seattle through the 2029 season on a contract reportedly worth nearly $2.5 million — the largest cumulative deal in NWSL history.

"We're absolutely thrilled to bring Mia into our squad," said Seattle head coach Laura Harvey in a club statement. "Mia's ability to disrupt defenses, finish in different ways makes her a dangerous addition to our group."

"Mia is a player with tremendous upside — a goal-scorer with presence, creativity, and a drive to keep growing," added Reign GM Lesle Gallimore.

Notably, though the Orlando Pride originally drafted the San Diego product and UCLA alum in 2022, this week's move will see Fishel make her domestic debut, with the young talent opting to start her pro career in Mexico.

In her single season with powerhouse Tigres UANL, Fishel notched 17 goals in 17 games to become the first foreign athlete to win the Liga MX Golden Boot, all while leading the team to a league championship.

Following her Liga MX success, Fishel signed with Chelsea, spending two seasons with the WSL champions — though a February 2024 ACL tear limited the young attacker's impact on both club and country over the last 16 months.

Nicknamed "Big Fish," the NWSL debutant has big plans for her upcoming lengthy tenure with Seattle.

"I knew coming to the States, I'm gonna be on a team for the long run," Fishel told reporters. "I wasn't expecting to just hop from team to team. Like, no, I want to put stakes in the ground. I want to eventually lead this team."

Indiana Fever Looks to Bounce Back Before 2025 WNBA All-Star Break

Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston and Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fagbenle jump for the ball to start a 2025 WNBA game.
The Indiana Fever enter the weekend on a two-game losing streak. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

This weekend's WNBA slate will see the No. 8 Indiana Fever aiming to right the ship, as the once-projected postseason contenders try to make a push prior to next weekend's 2025 All-Star break.

Despite seeing Caitlin Clark return from injury on Wednesday, the Fever will enter the weekend on a two-game losing streak.

"You should look yourself in the mirror and find ways you can get better, and then come back to practice tomorrow, and play again on Friday," Clark said after Indiana's 80-61 Wednesday loss to Golden State.

There's no immediate assist in the Fever's upcoming schedule, however, as they kick off the weekend against an Atlanta side that feeds on mismatches in the paint:

  • No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 8 Indiana Fever, Friday at 7:30 PM ET (ION): The Dream can put any team in a blender with their size and stretch capabilities, and Indiana will need solid three-point shooting to upend Atlanta.
  • No. 6 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 9 Las Vegas Aces, Saturday at 4 PM ET (CBS): The short-handed Aces will hope to pounce on Golden State's mercurial road form, as Las Vegas tries to keep climbing the standings following a middling season start.
  • No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 3 New York Liberty, Sunday at 3 PM ET (WNBA League Pass): An injury-hampered New York will try to hold on against the formidable Dream, as the reigning champion Liberty keep battling while waiting for starters to return.

Start your morning off right with Just Women’s Sports’ free, 5x-a-week newsletter.