Florida State University Athletics
14 Noles Set To Begin NWSL Season This Weekend
3/15/2024 11:09:00 AM | Women's Soccer
TALLAHASSEE - 14 former Florida State women's soccer players are set to begin their NWSL seasons this weekend as the NWSL season will kick off on Saturday at 1 p.m. on ABC with the KC Current and the Portland Thorns taking the pitch.
The Seminoles are represented on nine different NWSL teams (NC Courage, Bay FC, Washington Spirit, Utah Royals FC, Racing Louisville FC, Chicago Red Stars, Orlando Pride, NJ/NY Gotham). Two Seminoles return to the reigning NWSL champs as Jenna Nighswonger and Cassie Miller will each take the pitch for NJ/NY Gotham this season.
Nighswonger was one of NWSL's biggest breakout stars last season as she was named the NWSL Rookie of the Year. Spending most her time in the midfielder and forward positions at Florida State, Nighswonger was called on to play the defender role for Gotham throughout the 2023 season. Nighswonger excelled at the position helping Gotham to its first NWSL Championship. Nighswonger also was named to the U.S. Women's National Team for the Gold Cup which the U.S. won. Nighswonger scored two goals for the U.S. during the tournament. Casey Krueger was also named to the USWNT with Nighswonger for the Gold Cup.
The Seminoles had three players drafted this past season in Lauren Flynn (Utah Royals FC), Leilanni Nesbeth (Chicago Red Stars) and Cristina Roque (Utah Royals FC). All three players were signed to their respective teams and will all appear on their respective opening day rosters.
For updates and exclusive content, follow the Seminoles on X (FSU_Soccer), Instagram (nolesoccer) and Facebook (Florida State Seminoles Soccer).
NWSL Noles
The Seminoles are represented on nine different NWSL teams (NC Courage, Bay FC, Washington Spirit, Utah Royals FC, Racing Louisville FC, Chicago Red Stars, Orlando Pride, NJ/NY Gotham). Two Seminoles return to the reigning NWSL champs as Jenna Nighswonger and Cassie Miller will each take the pitch for NJ/NY Gotham this season.
Nighswonger was one of NWSL's biggest breakout stars last season as she was named the NWSL Rookie of the Year. Spending most her time in the midfielder and forward positions at Florida State, Nighswonger was called on to play the defender role for Gotham throughout the 2023 season. Nighswonger excelled at the position helping Gotham to its first NWSL Championship. Nighswonger also was named to the U.S. Women's National Team for the Gold Cup which the U.S. won. Nighswonger scored two goals for the U.S. during the tournament. Casey Krueger was also named to the USWNT with Nighswonger for the Gold Cup.
The Seminoles had three players drafted this past season in Lauren Flynn (Utah Royals FC), Leilanni Nesbeth (Chicago Red Stars) and Cristina Roque (Utah Royals FC). All three players were signed to their respective teams and will all appear on their respective opening day rosters.
For updates and exclusive content, follow the Seminoles on X (FSU_Soccer), Instagram (nolesoccer) and Facebook (Florida State Seminoles Soccer).
NWSL Noles
Malia Berkely - NC Courage
Deyna Castellanos - Bay FC
Gabby Carle - Washington Spirit
Lauren Flynn - Utah Royals FC
Jaelin Howell - Racing Louisville FC
Casey Krueger - Washington Spirit
Natalia Kuikka - Chicago Red Stars
Emily Madril - Orlando Pride
Cassie Miller - NY/NJ Gotham
Leilanni Nesbeth - Chicago Red Stars
Jenna Nighswonger - NY/NJ Gotham
Carson Pickett - Racing Louisville FC
Clara Robbins - NC Courage
Cristina Roque - Utah Royals FC
Players Mentioned
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Forward/Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Forward/Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
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Goalkeeper
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