Hidden Gems of the NWSL: Shining a Light on Players Who’ve Earned It

In the realm of women’s soccer, the likes of Alex Morgans, Sophia Smiths, and Julie Ertzes command the spotlight. Yet, with national team slots limited and competition fiercer than ever, the unsung heroes, the hidden gems, often remain in the shadows. Parkside has undertaken a commendable mission to bring these overlooked players to the forefront, showcasing them in their upcoming NWSL Collection Vol 2 Hobby Box, scheduled to debut at the end of this month. In collaboration with Parkside, we aim to illuminate the paths of these deserving athletes, sharing their unique stories and untapped potential. Here are five such players who embody the spirit of resilience and promise within the NWSL:

We all know the Alex Morgans, Sophia Smiths, and the Julie Ertzes. With a limited number of national team spots and it being as competitive as ever, we rarely get to know the other studs and stars who never get the call-up. It is Parkside’s mission to highlight these underrated players. They are featured in their NWSL Collection Vol 1 and Vol 2 Hobby Box–set to debut at the end of this month. We’ve teamed up with Parkside to give these players more of the spotlight because they deserve it. 

 

1. Sam Coffey #17: Don’t Sleep on the Girl from Sleepy Hollow

We know Sam has gotten a few call-ups and made her USWNT debut, but she is still a budding star! With a down-to-earth, grounded mindset and positive head on her shoulders, she deserves more hype around her.  

Despite having secured a few call-ups and making her USWNT debut, Coffey remains a budding talent with a down-to-earth and grounded mindset. Playing as a midfielder (#6) for the Portland Thorns FC since 2021, she’s been collecting recent accolades, including NWSL Best XI honors for August and June, a finalist for Rookie of the Year in 2022, and a spot in the 2022 Best XI. From Sleepy Hollow, NY, she played club for Matchfit Academy and was recruited to Boston College before transitioning to Penn State to finish her collegiate career. 

Beyond the field, Coffey’s multifaceted character shines through. Writing holds a special place in her heart, and she aspires to pursue journalism. She can also play the piano pretty darn well! 

Follow Sam on Instagram! 

 

Fast Facts:

• Birthday: January 26 (1995)
• Coffee or tea?: Coffee
• Dogs or cats?: Cats
• If you had to choose – play in the wind or rain?: Rain
• Morning person or night owl?: Morning
• Favorite Halloween movie: Hocus Pocus

 

2. Tyler Lussi #14: No Sleeves or Caffeine Needed

A dynamic force in the NWSL, Lussi embodies versatility and determination. With a journey spanning three teams and various positions, Tyler is a relentless ball of energy, seizing every opportunity on the field. Her impactful contributions extend beyond being a super-sub; she stands as a steady cog in the success of each team she graces.

As an attacker, Tyler has left her mark on NC Courage, Angel City FC (2021), and Portland Thorns FC (2017). A graduate of Princeton University, she honed her skills at the Bethesda Soccer Club, hailing from Lutherville, MD, and had early success with the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Known for her aversion to coffee and her preference for playing without sleeves (earning the nickname No-sleeves FC), Tyler’s unique personality adds flair to her on-field prowess. Beyond her playing career, she aspires to contribute to the sport as a commissioner of the league or the head athletic director at Princeton. Additionally, Tyler is the Co-Founder of “NCRC Mentor,” a scholar-athlete mentoring company, showcasing her commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes.

Follow Tyler on Instagram to stay updated on her inspiring journey and continued impact in the world of women’s soccer.

 

Fast Facts:

• Birthday: January 26 (1995)
• Coffee or tea?: Tea (I don’t drink coffee)
• Dogs or cats?: Dogs! (I have three dogs at home)
• If you had to choose – play in the wind or rain?: Rain, definitely! 
• Morning person or night owl?: Night owl 🦉 
• Favorite Halloween movie: Monsters, Inc.

3. Jenna Nighswonger – West Coast Native, East Coast Hero

A rock in the NWSL, Nighswonger transitioned seamlessly from being a finalist for the MAC Hermann Award in 2022 to becoming a cornerstone for Gotham FC. Selected fourth overall, the forward has showcased her prowess with 15 starts and three goals in her 2023 debut season. Her stellar performance has earned her the Rookie of the Month honors in May and July, along with a spot on the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup All-Tournament Team. Originating from Huntington Beach, CA, she played for hometown club Slammers FC and then Florida State University, winning a national championship in 2021. 

Off the field, she is a fan of Colleen Hoover and thriller reads, and her favorite foods include sushi, bento boxes, ramen, Poke bowls, and Pad Thai. Additionally, she proudly supports Manchester United. 

Follow Jenna on Instagram to keep up with this rising star’s journey.

 

Fast Facts:

• Birthday: November 28 (2000)
• Coffee or tea: Coffee
• Dogs or cats?: Cats
• If you had to choose – play in the wind or rain?: Rain
• Morning person or night owl?: Morning person
• Favorite Halloween movie: Hocus Pocus

 

4. Michelle Cooper #17 – Big Moves, Bigger Family Values

Cooper made an impressive entry into the league as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 draft while still a sophomore at Duke University. Playing as a forward for Kansas City FC, Cooper has garnered attention for her stellar rookie season, highlighted by her record-breaking achievement of scoring the fastest goal in NWSL history.

A young stud in the making, Cooper has had early international success with the USWNT U-20 team, having won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, as well as a spot on the Best XI team at the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship. Only a Blue Devil for two years, she still managed to leave her mark, providing an assist in nearly 75% of the games she played and winning ACC Freshman of the Year in 2021 and ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022!

Hailing from Clarkston, Michigan, and representing the IMG Academy, Cooper admits she is a big-time family person, one of the reasons she was so excited to join Kansas City to be closer to home. This family value is echoed in her decision as a New Balance athlete, given that it is a private, family-owned company. 

As we eagerly await what Michelle Cooper will achieve next in her promising career, fans can stay connected and follow her journey on Instagram.

 

Fast Facts:

• Birthday: December 4 (2002)
• Coffee or tea?: Coffee!
• Dogs or cats?: If I HAD to choose, probably cats!
• If you had to choose – play in the wind or rain?: I used to love playing in the rain as a kid. Those always made for the best games!
• Morning person or night owl?: I am definitely a night owl! 
• Favorite Halloween movie: E.T.

5. Ally Schlegel #34 – Beware of The Pink Headband

A rising star in the NWSL, Schlegel commands attention as a forward for the Chicago Red Stars. Hailing from Parker, CO, Schlegel is a product of Penn State, where she achieved over 100 career points and earned recognition as a Mac Hermann trophy semifinalist. Known for her solid performances, Schlegel boasts a remarkable 100% pass success rate in the NWSL, showcasing her consistency and reliability on the field. Sporting a distinctive pink headband, a part of her game day look since the age of 10, Schlegel and her unwavering commitment to her craft will no doubt be a standout in the NWSL.

As a testament to her leadership qualities, she was named the team captain of the U-18 U.S. Women’s National Team. When not on the soccer pitch, you can find Schlegel in a nearby river honing her side passion for fly-fishing. 

Follow Ally on Instagram to stay connected with her exciting journey.

 

Fast Facts:

• Birthday: February 7 (2000)
• Coffee or tea?: Both, but if she had to choose, coffee wins
• Dogs or cats?: Both! But if she had to choose… cats 🫣
• If you had to choose – play in the wind or rain?: Rain, the wind is the worst
• Morning person or night owl?: Morning person for sure!
• Favorite Halloween movie: Twitches

 

In a league brimming with talent, these players represent just a few unsung heroes, hidden gems of the NWSL. Parkside Collectibles aims to give them the recognition they truly deserve. As fans, let’s pledge to support and follow these extraordinary athletes on their journey to greatness. The future of women’s soccer is bright, and these hidden gems are an integral part of it.

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