The Rise of the Teenagers: Young Stars Shine in NWSL’s 2025 Season
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has become a vibrant stage for young talent, with several teams integrating teenage players into their rosters. This infusion of youth is reshaping the league and highlighting the depth of emerging talent in women’s soccer.
A new wave is sweeping through the National Women’s Soccer League, and it’s fast, fearless, and still in its teens.
In the opening weeks of the 2025 NWSL season, 14 American teenagers have already stepped onto the field—and five have found the back of the net, making a bold statement about the readiness and potential of young talent in the women’s game. 
NWSL Teams Featuring Teenage Players:
- NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Angel City FC
- Bay FC
- Seattle Reign FC
- Portland Thorns FC
- Houston Dash
- Washington Spirit
This is more than a trend.
Youth Soccer Players Scoring While Still in School
The list of teen goal-scorers so far this season reads like a preview of the USWNT’s future:
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns, 19) – A household name among youth soccer fans, Moultrie made headlines years ago when she signed professionally at just 15. Now a seasoned NWSL player in her fifth season, she continues to deliver, recently scoring her 12th goal for the Thorns.
- Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage, 19) – Jackson wasted no time in her debut season, scoring a dramatic equalizer in the Courage’s opener against Louisville. Her ability to read the game and make an impact under pressure signals a big future ahead.
- Emeri Adames (Seattle Reign, 18) – Fast and fearless, Adames opened Seattle’s 2025 scoring account with a clinical finish. The Texas native continues to impress with her composure and versatility on the ball.
- Kennedy Fuller (Angel City FC, 18) – One of the youngest players on the roster, Fuller netted a crucial goal that earned ACFC a draw. Her attacking instinct and poise in the final third are turning heads in Southern California.
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign, 18) – In her second NWSL season, Bugg opened her scoring account with a well-taken goal—proof of how consistency, development, and confidence can transform young potential into performance.
From Promise to Pro Impact
These players aren’t just earning minutes—they’re making a difference in the game. They’re showing that the gap between youth soccer and the professional game is shrinking—and, in some cases, disappearing altogether.
The transition from youth to pro used to be gradual with few youth soccer players making headlines, but today’s elite teenage players are entering the NWSL more technically skilled, tactically aware, and mentally prepared than ever before.
We believe the credit goes to a growing soccer landscape with an ecosystem of youth academies, national team camps, and competitive leagues that are pushing young players to higher standards. But equally important is the shift within the NWSL itself—a league now embracing youth with intention, creating pathways and support systems for young athletes to thrive.
Olivia Moultrie: The Blueprint
No story better represents this movement than that of Olivia Moultrie. After fighting for the right to turn pro at 15, she has become a case study in how early investment and opportunity can lead to long-term success.
As a midfielder born in 2005 from Wilsonville, OR this 5’8″ player is more powerful on the field than her height would indicate. Recognized as the 2023 U.S. SOCCER YOUNG FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, she started all three matches for the USA at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica and earned an assist against Ghana.
Now 19, she’s already played five seasons with the Portland Thorns and continues to be a key contributor. Her development has been visible and steady, signaling to clubs that betting on youth can pay off.
New Generation, New Rules
The NWSL’s introduction of the Under-18 Entry Mechanism has paved the way for this new generation. With structured guidelines to ensure development and protection, the mechanism has opened the door for ready players while holding clubs accountable for creating a healthy environment for growth.
This season’s teenage success stories are a clear indicator that the system is working—and that fans should expect to see more breakout performances from young stars in the months ahead.
What It Means for the Future
As more teenagers make the leap to professional soccer, they’re changing the narrative—not just about age but also about expectation and possibility.
They’re also adding fresh energy, speed, and boldness to the league—traits that appeal to fans, excite coaches, and raise the level of play across the board.
From academy fields to primetime matches, the message is clear: The future isn’t just coming. It’s already here.
Five Teen Goal Scorers in the First Two Weeks of 2025:
- Olivia Moultrie – Portland Thorns (age 19)
- Riley Jackson – North Carolina Courage (age 19)
- Emeri Adames – Seattle Reign FC (age 18)
- Kennedy Fuller – Angel City FC (age 18)
- Jordyn Bugg – Seattle Reign FC (age 18)
The NWSL clubs are increasingly investing in young players, providing them with opportunities to develop and make significant contributions on the professional stage.
READ on NPR: A 14-year-old is in the National Women’s Soccer League. What protections does she have?
As these youth soccer players continue to make their mark in the NWSL, they also signal something bigger on the horizon for U.S. Soccer. The presence of confident, composed teenagers competing—and excelling—on the professional stage speaks volumes about the potential of America’s youth development system.
READ: Emma Hayes Names USWNT Roster for Brazil Matches, Emphasizes Youth Development and Accountability
If the U.S. hopes to be dominant on the global stage, especially with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaching, this new generation may be the key. Their fearlessness, technical quality, and hunger to grow could be exactly what the national team needs to evolve—and stand at the top of the world.
FYI: The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, NWSL Boston, Chicago Stars FC, Denver NWSL, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC and Washington Spirit.
