A total of 23 former UCLA women’s soccer players will begin the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season on opening day rosters, as the league kicks off on March 13.
The presence of so many UCLA alumnae in the professional league highlights the university’s ongoing contribution to women’s soccer at the highest level. Three members from UCLA’s 2025 squad—Meila Brewer (Kansas City Current), Emma Egizii (Chicago Stars FC), and Jennie Immethun (Denver Summit FC)—are set to start their first season in the NWSL. Additionally, America Frias and Val Vargas from the same class are playing in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil for Cruz Azul and Rayadas, respectively.
Several teams feature multiple Bruins on their rosters. NJ/NY Gotham FC, last year’s NWSL champion, includes Lilly Reale, Sofia Cook, and Ryan Campbell. The Orlando Pride also has three former Bruins: Ally Lemos, Hailie Mace, and Viviana Villacorta. Four UCLA alumnae are with Portland Thorns—Jessie Fleming, Immethun, Jayden Perry, and Reilyn Turner—while Denver Summit FC features Meg Boade and Ayo Oke. Angel City FC has Sydney Leroux and Faith Nguyen among its ranks.
Other notable placements include Mia Fishel and Neeku Purcell with Seattle Reign FC; Quincy McMahon joining Racing Louisville FC; Ashley Sanchez returning to North Carolina Courage; Delanie Sheehan with Houston Dash; and Bay FC’s Abby Dahlkemper and Caprice Dydasco currently on maternity leave.
The new season begins Friday evening with Portland facing Washington Spirit in Washington, D.C., followed by ten more teams starting play on Saturday. Key matchups include Gotham FC versus Boston Legacy on ABC television. The schedule continues through Sunday with Orlando hosting Seattle and Angel City facing Chicago.
The large number of Bruins in professional leagues demonstrates both individual achievement for these athletes and continued strength for UCLA’s women’s soccer program.
