Hannah Anderson, a defender who spent her initial two professional seasons with the Chicago Stars, has transitioned to the Orlando Pride in 2026, seeking a fresh challenge and growth opportunities. The move to Florida’s Orlando Pride offers Anderson a chance to build on her experiences from Chicago and develop further within one of the NWSL’s strong defensive squads.
The Appeal of Joining Orlando’s Defensively Strong Team
Orlando Pride, led by Head Coach Seb Hines, has earned recognition in recent years as a formidable defensive unit in the NWSL. Anderson came on board attracted by the potential to learn from highly skilled teammates and contribute to this well-established defensive group. She explained that joining the Pride felt “meant to be” and an ideal environment for continued professional development.
She noted,
“
I was just looking for a new opportunity, a new challenge and new ways to grow,
and
I feel like, as a professional athlete, you’re always trying to find new ways to grow. And I think that here was a great opportunity to challenge myself, but also it felt meant to be. This is where I need to be at this time.
”
– Hannah Anderson, Orlando Pride defender
Anderson is motivated by the prospect of strengthening the Pride’s defense while exchanging experience and leadership with other players. She said,
“
Knowing that I can learn from these girls and hopefully help that and give back and be a part of that defensive squad, I obviously wanted to be a part of that,
”
underscoring her eagerness to integrate with the team.
From Texas Tech Standout to NWSL Professional
Anderson’s soccer career notably advanced with Texas Tech, where she stood out as a consistent performer and earned the Big 12 Defender of the Year title in 2023. Her contributions helped lead the Red Raiders to an undefeated conference season, catching the attention of NWSL scouts. This success culminated in her selection as the 31st overall pick by the Chicago Stars in the 2024 NWSL Draft.
During her time with Chicago, Anderson marked a milestone with a first professional start at the historic Wrigley Field, performing before a crowd of 30,000 spectators. She went on to play 27 matches for the Stars before deciding on the new opportunity in Orlando.
Adjusting to Life with Orlando’s Team and Environment
Since joining the Pride, Anderson has found the team environment welcoming and supportive. She remarked on her smooth transition, saying,
“
Honestly, it’s been great so far,
and
I’ve been able to get along with the girls really well. They make the environment super welcoming. The soccer world is so small, so some of my teammates knew some of these girls, so that always helps. But honestly, I’m just trying to be myself, and I feel like they’ve been welcoming with open arms, which has been fantastic.
”
Facing Former Rivals as Teammates Spurs Growth
Having competed against several Pride players like Barbra Banda and Marta in previous seasons, Anderson now trains alongside these elite forwards daily. She described the experience as surreal and motivating:
“
It’s kind of surreal when you’re teammates with them, just because I’ve played against them for a few years now,
”
she said.
It’s great to be challenged every day at practice that way. I know I’m definitely growing whenever I’m playing against them. Playing against them is such a difficult task, and I’m so grateful that I’m finally wearing the same color as them, so I don’t have to defend them. But honestly, every day at training, that’s what I was excited about—to go against Marta, Barbra and Jacquie (Ovalle). The list goes on and on, and it’s only making me better.
“
Embracing the Team’s Winning Culture and Expectations
Orlando Pride’s recent achievements, including winning the NWSL double two years prior and reaching the semifinals in 2025, set a high standard the team continues to uphold. Anderson sees joining such an accomplished group not as pressure but as an opportunity for growth and learning. She reflected,
“
I don’t really look at it as pressure, I think it’s an opportunity,
”
adding,
The challenge is what’s going to help me grow. When you’re never challenged, you can’t grow. It’s kind of like how you see that challenge. Yeah, it could be pressure, but I also think it’s exciting to be a part of a group that’s been there, because the experience will help you get there again.
“
Leadership Growth and Learning from Veteran Teammates
At 24 years old and entering her third professional season, Anderson is still developing key leadership skills vital to her role as a center back. Orlando provides a valuable environment for her to learn from established leaders such as Rafaelle, a former captain for Brazil at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Kylie Nadaner, who advanced rapidly from fullback to all-league center back within two seasons.
Addressing the leadership challenges, Anderson said,
“
It is challenging, especially in my position, because you’re the one who’s kind of telling people what to do,
”
and explained the importance of humility and openness:
“
But I think the people that you surround yourself with know that it’s coming from a place of helping. Being humble enough to say, ‘I was wrong in that instance.’
”
She added insight on professional growth:
“
In pro sports, you fail a lot, and so just being able to learn and having an open mind. I really just want to be the most authentic I can be. You do have a range of players. Obviously, I’m in my third year, but you learn from the best players in the world, which is super cool.
”
Balancing Career Moves and Personal Life
Transitioning to Orlando also involves personal adjustments, as Anderson’s fiancé, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jack Neely, remains based in Chicago. Having recently become engaged, Anderson faced the challenge of maintaining a long-distance relationship while pursuing her professional goals. She shared Neely’s encouragement:
“
Jack was the one who was like, ‘You have to do what’s best for your career,’
”
explaining,
“
He just was so supportive, telling me to go where you feel like you’re going to be a fit. He was able to come here for the first week and help me get the apartment set up, and he’ll come when he can and I’ll go see him when I can.
”
The emotional support from her fiancé reinforces Anderson’s confidence to embrace this career leap, as she stated,
“
His support has been the biggest part of reassuring me that it’s okay to leave Chicago. It kind of gives me more confidence in myself to say, ‘okay, yeah, I need to take a leap of faith and come here and show what I can do.’
”
Looking Ahead: Growth and Impact With the Orlando Pride
Hannah Anderson’s move to the Orlando Pride represents an important next step in her professional soccer journey, offering a platform to enhance her defensive skills, contribute to a championship-contending squad, and deepen her leadership abilities. Surrounded by experienced players and a competitive environment, she is positioned to continue evolving as a key figure in the NWSL. As the 2026 season unfolds, both Anderson and the Pride look to sustain their high standards and build on their recent successes. The coming years will reveal how this partnership will influence both her career and the team’s ambitions.
