6 Black Players Whose Careers You Need to Follow
February is a short month with many important celebrations, but it is probably best known for being Black History Month! It’s a time to honor important people who are making a lasting impact in their roles. In the world of women’s soccer, many players are making an impact on the game, many of whom will be remembered for years to come. Here are six Black players impacting the sport and whose careers you need to follow.
Jaedyn Shaw
The 2022 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year had an amazing rookie season with the San Diego Wave. Shaw became the youngest player ever to score in an NWSL debut game and start an NWSL playoff game.
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As a reminder to all, Shaw only recently turned 18. So, there is much to look forward to from her in the coming years!
Mia Fishel
Mia Fishel seems to be enjoying playing professional soccer for Tigres Femenil. She just won the Apertura 2022 Championship and became the first foreign player to win the Apertura Golden Boot in her rookie season.
Individually we are one DROP but together we are an OCEAN🏆 Vamooos Tigres🐯 #5th
Individualmente somos una GOTA pero juntas somos un OCÉANO🏆 Vamooos Tigres🐯 #5to pic.twitter.com/GPPnkKGvU6
— Mia Fishel (@miafishel10) November 17, 2022
Fishel seems committed to making history, picking up this season where she left off by scoring in every game.
Adrianna Franch
KC Current and USWNT goalkeeper Adrianna Franch is one of the most impressive players in the NWSL. She won NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year two years in a row and is the only player to win the award twice.
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Most recently, she helped lead her team to the 2022 NWSL Championship. Franch ranks number two in all-time NWSL Shutouts, and number four in all-time NWSL saves.
Sophia Smith
What is a list of players to watch without Sophia Smith? The 2022 NWSL MVP lives up to every expectation placed on her after being selected first overall in the 2020 NWSL Draft.
Sophia Smith is the US Soccer Female Player of the Year 🔥
The 22-year-old is the youngest player to win the award since Mia Hamm in 1994 pic.twitter.com/hBq0wEyNoU
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 6, 2023
Last season was really something special for Smith. She won the 2022 NWSL Championship and also received the 2022 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.
Simone Charley
After being traded from the Portland Thorns a couple of years ago, Simone Charley is stepping up for Angel City FC. She started half of the games played last season and has been a strong help to a team dealing with a few injuries.
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Charley played with the Portland Thorns for two seasons before they traded her to ACFC, where she will play this season.
Tziarra King
A top-ten pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft, Tziarra King spent her first season with the Utah Royals before going to the OL Reign, where she currently plays. She immediately made an impact not just in the regular season but also while playing in all 2021 Challenge Cup matches.
Congratulations to Tziarra King, just crowned the NWSL Player of the Week. Yes @tziarra!
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/NZuozxgcBB pic.twitter.com/xhEidD0EeK
— OL Reign (@OLReign) July 28, 2021
Several impressive performances earned her NWSL Player of the Week.
There are plenty more BIPOC players to keep up with, including those involved in the Black Women’s Player Collective. So check them out during this Black History Month while we wait for the NWSL season to begin!
Featured image via @tigresfemeniloficial on Instagram
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