What It Means to Them: Parkside Rookies Share Thoughts on Their Very Own Trading Card

In the pursuit of greatness, we all have dreams of stepping onto the grand stage. For many of us, the childhood question of “What do you want to be when you grow up?” often elicited the definitive answer: “Professional Soccer Player.” Now, for the newly drafted and signed athletes of the NWSL, that dream has become a reality. As a testament to their achievement, Parkside Collectibles has commemorated them with their very own Rookie Signature card–soon to be released!

We reached out to a few of these rising stars to reflect on the experience of having their own trading card and to summarize their inaugural NWSL season in three words. Join us as we dive into the experiences of these up-and-coming players and discover just how much this recognition means to them.

#1 Ally Sentnor – Utah Royals FC (#9)

• Draft pick: #1 Overall
• College: UNC Chapel Hill
• Position: Forward
• Club: South Shore Select
• Hometown: Hanson, MA
• Position: Midfield/Forward

How it’s going:

The #1 overall draft pick is not disappointing, starting all four matches of her debut season and logging 90 minutes with the Royals. She then helped her team to their first win of the season with a solo effort that launched them past the NC Courage 2-1.

What it means to her: 

“I think it is a full circle moment to have my own trading card as a professional athlete. During the World Cups growing up, I would do the Panini sticker books, and it was just so cool to collect the stickers of my favorite players. Knowing that people can now have my trading card is surreal, and I am extremely grateful.”

3 Words to Describe her first NWSL season thus far: 

Grateful, Growing, Fun

#2 Leilanni Nesbeth – Chicago Red Stars

• Draft pick: #10 Overall
• College: FSU
• Club:  Brighton & Hove Albion in England
• Hometown: St. David’s, Bermuda

How it’s going:

While she’s had a slower start to her first season, logging 11 minutes against Reign FC, Nesbeth is not letting up. 

What it means to her:

“It’s really dope, I would say, to have my own trading card. I remember having all the professional soccer player cards in primary school and comparing my collection with my friends. Hopefully as I progress in the league, little girls are eager to get their hands on one of mine. That would be really cool!”

3 Words to Describe her first NWSL season thus far: 

Competitive, Exciting, Fun

#3 Alex Pfeiffer –  KC Current

• 4th Youngest NWSL player ever (Birthday: Nov 26, 2007)
• Club: St. Louis Scott Gallagher ECNL
• Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
• Highlights: 2023 ECNL player of the year, 2022 and 2023 ECNL All-American, 2x ECNL National Champion, scored hat trick in 3-3 draw with U17 USWNT against Japan

How it’s going: 

Alex is still breaking records, becoming the youngest goal scorer in the NWSL regular season (16 years, 4 months). In her pro debut, she scored what would be the game-winner in Kansas City’s 5-4 win and first in their brand-new CPKC Stadium.

What it means to her:

“It’s such a cool thing to have my own trading card at such a young age. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity and to know my card is out there with so many great women soccer players is amazing.”

3 Words to Describe her first NWSL season thus far:

Special, Historic, and Inspiring

“Special because I scored my first pro goal in my debut. Historic because I’m a part of a team that is making history with the first women’s soccer stadium. And inspiring because I am inspired and motivated by my amazing teammates that I get to play with every day.”

Stay tuned for more insights into Parkside’s rookies and when we can expect their limited Rookie Signature series cards to be released!

In the meantime, visit Parkside Trading Cards to grab their 2024 NWSL Pronto cards that capture the memorable moments from each week of the season.

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