How Jaelin Howell Became a Top Prospect for the NWSL and USWNT
Few have had as great of a college career as Jaelin Howell. From Colorado to the USWNT, she’s been a star on the field every step of the way. Here’s what you should know about the talented midfielder.
Colorado and Youth National Team
Howell grew up playing for Real Colorado, the same club team as USWNT teammate Sophia Smith. While there, she helped them win the 2016 U-16 ECNL National Championship. She was also named an NSCAA All-American in 2016.
In 2017, she was named the United Soccer Coaches Youth National Player of the Year, and she was also a finalist for the U.S. Soccer Youth Player of the Year award.
The midfielder also spent time on the U-17, U-20, and U-23 youth national teams, competing at the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups.
Florida State
Howell had one of the best collegiate careers of all time with the Seminoles. She appeared in 90 games, starting all but four of them in her career.
Jaelin Howell finished her career with 14 goals and 14 assists. One of her 14 career goals was the game-winner in the 2021 College Cup semifinal game that sent FSU to the final.
Howell can be an asset in the attack at times, but she thrives as a defensive midfielder. She has a ton of poise and commands the middle of the field as the leader of the team.
Her leadership helped bring Florida State to three national championships in her four years, winning two of them. The Seminoles also won three ACC Championships during her time in Tallahassee.
She racked up tons of awards and accolades as a Seminole. It’s a list that could go on and on, but it’s highlighted by winning the MAC Hermann Trophy in back-to-back seasons.
There have only been five players to win the award twice in back-to-back seasons. She was also a two-time ACC Midfielder of the Year and United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American.
NWSL and Senior National Team
Howell easily could have been the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NWSL College Draft, but she went to Racing Louisville with the second pick. Since getting drafted, she has signed a three-year contract with Louisville.
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She will be able to make an immediate impact and will be an essential player in that Racing midfield that struggled some last season.
She earned her first call up to the senior USWNT team in March of 2017 but made her debut in November of 2020 as a substitute against the Netherlands. She most recently joined the USWNT in Austin, Texas, for the January training camp.
This is a big year for Howell to break into the national team in a busy year with World Cup qualifiers coming up soon. Jaelin Howell is an exciting player to watch and has a bright future ahead of her!
Featured image via Getty Images
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