Alyssa Naeher Bio
Alyssa Michele Naeher (born April 20, 1988) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Naeher played college soccer for the Penn State Nittany Lions, earning two-time first-team All-American honors. She began her professional career with the Boston Breakers in Women’s Professional Soccer in 2010, and has since become a key player for the U.S. national team, winning several championships, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Early Life and Background
Alyssa Naeher was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and grew up in a family that encouraged her athletic pursuits. She attended Christian Heritage School, where she excelled in soccer, earning accolades such as three-time All-State and three-time FAA All-Conference selections. In addition to her soccer achievements, Naeher was a standout basketball player, scoring over 2,000 points during her high school career. Her early exposure to sports laid a strong foundation for her future in soccer.
Naeher’s soccer journey began at a young age, and she played for the Western Mass Lady Pioneers in the USL W-League during the 2006 season. Her impressive performance, allowing only a 0.59 goals against average, showcased her potential as a goalkeeper. Following her high school career, she attended Penn State University from 2006 to 2009, where she started 74 games and recorded 24 shutouts, further establishing her reputation as a top goalkeeper.
Path to Soccer
After her collegiate success, Alyssa Naeher was selected by the Boston Breakers with the 11th overall pick in the 2010 Women’s Professional Soccer draft, making her the first goalkeeper chosen. During her time with the Breakers, she recorded her first career shutout on August 4, 2010, against the Atlanta Beat. Despite the team’s strong performance, they lost in the Super Semifinal that season.
In 2011, Naeher transferred to Turbine Potsdam in Germany, where she contributed to the team’s success in the Bundesliga. After two years in Germany, she returned to the Boston Breakers when the NWSL was established, winning the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2014 for her outstanding performance.
Alyssa Naeher Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Naeher’s professional career began with the Boston Breakers in 2010, where she quickly made a name for herself as a reliable goalkeeper. Her performance earned her the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2014, solidifying her status in the league. After a successful stint with the Breakers, she moved to Turbine Potsdam, where she played a crucial role in their Bundesliga campaign.
Upon returning to the Boston Breakers in 2013, Naeher continued to excel, leading the team with impressive saves and earning recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in the league.
Breakthrough (2014–2019)
Alyssa Naeher’s breakthrough moment came during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she served as the backup goalkeeper for Hope Solo. Although she did not play, her experience contributed to the team’s success as they won the tournament. In 2019, Naeher was named the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. national team in the Women’s World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in the team’s victory. She recorded three consecutive shutouts in the group stage and made crucial saves in the knockout rounds, culminating in a shutout during the final against the Netherlands.
In addition to her World Cup success, Naeher was also a key player for the U.S. team during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she helped secure a bronze medal.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Alyssa Naeher has achieved significant milestones, including winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019, as well as participating in the Olympic Games in 2020 and 2024. She has been recognized for her outstanding performances with several awards, including the Golden Glove Award in 2008 and U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year in 2024.
Alyssa Naeher Award Nominations
Alyssa Naeher has received numerous nominations throughout her career, reflecting her impact on the field and her contributions to the sport.
Alyssa Naeher Awards Won
Naeher has won several prestigious awards, including the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014 and the Golden Glove Award in 2008, showcasing her excellence as a goalkeeper.
Alyssa Naeher Family
Alyssa Naeher is the daughter of John and Donna Lynn Naeher. She has a twin sister named Amanda, who also played soccer, and a younger sister named Abigail. Naeher’s family has been supportive of her athletic endeavors, contributing to her success in soccer.
Personal Life
Alyssa Naeher is known for her strong Christian faith and has often credited her upbringing and family support for her achievements. She has a diverse heritage, including German, English, and French Canadian ancestry. Naeher’s commitment to her sport and her values continue to inspire many young athletes.
