From the NWSL to a USWNT Call-Up, Ella Stevens Continues to Shine
The name Ella Stevens may sound new to some women’s soccer followers. But, it is a name women’s soccer fans may need to get used to. Ella Stevens has displayed great production on the field from her Blue Devil days all the way to now in the professional stage of her career. Her recent call-up to the senior squad should be no surprise, considering her electric summer. Here, we will take a look at Stevens’ career and rise to the USWNT.
Duke Blue Devils (2016-2019)
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Throughout her time with the Blue Devils, Stevens played in a total of 91 matches. She racked up 24 goals while tallying 34 assists. Considering these stats, her skillful assist-making ability was very apparent even in her collegiate career. Although never securing a title with Duke, Stevens played a role in the NCAA Tournament all 4 seasons she spent as a Blue Devil.
Chicago Red Stars (2020-2023)
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After being selected at #24 in the 2020 NWSL Draft by the Chicago Red Stars, Stevens did not immediately receive a ton of playing time. Yet, she remained determined. With only eight total appearances in her first two years with the Red Stars, it wasn’t until 2022 that Stevens began to find a rhythm.
In 2022, out of her 19 appearances, she was a starter in 10 of those. In that time, Stevens recorded four goals and two assists. Her stats in 2023 were not so different, as she recorded four goals and a single assist.
Sadly, the Red Stars ended at the bottom of the table in 2023. Clearly, Stevens’s first few years in the league display the usual growth and necessary baby steps each young player should expect to experience when entering the league.
NJ/NY Gotham
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Looking back, being a free agent at the end of the 2023 season and deciding to sign with NJ/NY Gotham was the biggest leap Stevens has taken in her career so far.
As a forward, Stevens’s eye for goal is high-level, yet her ability to assist sets her apart from other forwards. In 2024, she completed some of the coolest and most skillful assists.
Stevens appeared in 22 matches and scored a career-high seven goals and four assists. She scored in three consecutive games, the first for Gotham since Midge Purce. She tied Rose Lavelle for the most goals in the 2024 season.
Her electric play continued for Gotham in the 2024 Summer Cup. Stevens recorded one goal and two assists in the club’s group stage victory in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. Overall, in August, Stevens helped Gotham retain a 2-0-1 record, notching three goals and two assists in only two games played. Thus, Stevens was named the Player of the Month for August.
USWNT Call Up
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Emma Hayes recently shared the list of 26 players who will be attending the January training camp. After the remarkable and impactful season, Stevens had in 2024, it is great to see her being selected for the senior squad training camp roster.
Stevens does have international experience, but only with the youth squads. She helped the U-20 team win the 2015 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship as she scored a goal against Haiti.
Now, with the senior team, Stevens will have the opportunity she has been working toward for many years. Whether she becomes a mainstay on the USWNT or not, fans should keep an eye out for her skill, which seems to improve continuously with time.
Featured image via Getty Images
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