UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State women’s soccer program saw 16 alumnae earn placements on nine National Women’s Soccer League rosters ahead of the organization’s 14th competitive season in 2026. One member of Penn State’s 2025 roster will make her NWSL debut this season, with alumna forward Amelia White set to join the Kansas City Current.
The 16 Nittany Lions participating in the highest level of professional women’s soccer on earth extends the program’s longstanding tradition of professional development, with Penn State alumnae appearing on nine of the league’s 16 club rosters ahead of the 2026 season. PSU saw 15 alumnae return from last year’s campaign, with the lone newcomer to the Nittany Lions’ NWSL corps coming in the form of White. Of Penn State’s 16 professional alumnae, six are members of the defending NWSL Shield-winning Kansas City Current, with White headlining that group.
In Kansas City, White is joined by 2015 National Champion and MAC Hermann Trophy Winner Rocky Rodriguez, in addition to Elizabeth Ball, Ellie (Wheeler) Bravo-Young, Katie Scott and recent free agent addition Penelope Hocking. The Current are under the direction of former USWNT skipper and current sporting director Vlatko Andonovski, as well as head coach Chris Armas, with the Nittany Lion group looking to lead KC to its second consecutive NWSL Shield in 2026. Penn State saw a pair of alumnae appear on the Orlando Pride roster in the form of Kerry Abello and Cori Dyke, with the North Carolina Courage bosting a pair of Nittany Lions as well in Payton Linnehan and Ally Schlegel.
San Diego Wave FC welcomes the return of second-year professional and 2024 Penn State alumna Jordan Fusco to the squad, while Nittany Lion national champion Ellie Jean continues her stint with Racing Louisville FC in 2026. The Blue & White saw 2022 alumna and goalkeeper Morgan Messner earn a roster spot with Portland Thorns FC, while multi-time Olympic medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher returns for another season with Chicago Stars FC. The Washington Spirit welcome back Kate Wiesner in the 2026 campaign as well, fresh off her first stint with the United States Women’s National Team during this year’s offseason window. Kaleigh Riehl rounds out the 16 Penn State women’s soccer alumnae on NWSL rosters, with Riehl continuing her stint with Utah Royals FC.
The 2026 NWSL regular season kicks off on Friday, March 13, with an 8 p.m. (ET)…
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