Cari Roccaro Bio
Cari Elizabeth Roccaro is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder or defender. Born on July 18, 1994, in East Islip, New York, she rose through the youth ranks in the United States soccer system before becoming a steady presence in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She is best known for her championship success with the North Carolina Courage, where she helped the club capture back-to-back NWSL Shields and NWSL Championships. Her professional journey has also taken her through the Houston Dash, Angel City FC, and Chicago Stars FC.
Early Life and Background
Roccaro grew up in East Islip, New York, and attended East Islip High School in Islip Terrace, where she played for the school’s team known as the Redmen. During her senior year, she scored 11 goals and helped the team post an 11-3-1 record, earning recognition as a First Team ESPNHS All-American. She was also named a two-time All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was honored as the Long Island Player of the Year.
Away from high school competition, Roccaro played for the local club team Albertson Fury and was a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region I Team from 2007 to 2010. She also represented the Eastern New York state Olympic Development Program squad from 2005 to 2010, building a strong foundation that would carry her into college and international soccer. Her leadership qualities emerged early, as she captained her high school team as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
Path to Professional Soccer
Roccaro attended the University of Notre Dame, where she played as a defender for the Fighting Irish from 2012 to 2015. In January 2013, she was named Soccer America’s Women’s Freshman of the Year after helping Notre Dame reach the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I Tournament. She was also recognized as the Big East Conference Rookie of the Year, signaling her rapid development at the collegiate level.
While still in high school, Roccaro gained senior experience with the Long Island Fury in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. She then joined the New York Fury in 2012, the same year the WPSL Elite was created after the folding of Women’s Professional Soccer. These early competitive environments helped prepare her for the demands of professional play in the NWSL.
Cari Roccaro Career
Houston Dash Era (2016–2017)
Roccaro was selected by the Houston Dash with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, becoming one of the league’s most anticipated rookies that year. Over two seasons in Houston, she made 33 appearances, establishing herself as a versatile player capable of contributing in midfield or along the back line. She was waived by the club on March 19, 2018, ending her time with the Dash.
North Carolina Courage Breakthrough (2018–2021)
On April 12, 2018, Roccaro signed with the North Carolina Courage, a move that would define the most successful stretch of her career. During the 2018 season, she made two appearances, but the team lifted both the 2018 NWSL Shield and the 2018 NWSL Championship. The Courage continued their dominant run, securing additional Shields and Championships, with Roccaro contributing to two consecutive title-winning campaigns.
Angel City FC Era (2022)
In December 2021, the North Carolina Courage traded Roccaro’s rights to Los Angeles-based Angel City FC in exchange for roster protection in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft. In January 2022, Angel City announced that she had signed a two-year contract. During the 2022 season, Roccaro recorded four goals and one assist, helping lay the foundation for the expansion club’s first year in the league.
Chicago Stars FC Era (2023–2025)
On January 24, 2023, Angel City traded Roccaro to the Chicago Red Stars, later renamed Chicago Stars FC, in exchange for $65,000 in allocation money. Across three seasons with the club, she made 61 NWSL appearances, providing veteran leadership and consistency. She departed from the club at the end of 2025, closing a chapter marked by reliable performance and steady contributions to the team’s back line.
International Youth Career
Roccaro represented the United States across multiple youth national teams, including the U-15, U-17, U-18, and U-20 squads. In March 2010, she scored her first international goal during a qualifier against Haiti in the path to the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. She also competed in the 2010 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship and the 2012 CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship, scoring goals in both tournaments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Roccaro was a member of the United States U-20 squad that won the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan, playing two group-stage matches and all three knockout matches. Two years later, she captained the U-20 team at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, playing all 360 minutes across four matches before the team’s quarterfinal elimination. Her international journey also included a stint with the United States U-23 team in 2015.
Cari Roccaro Career Wins
Across her professional and youth career, Cari Roccaro has collected several notable team honors, including two consecutive NWSL Championships and two NWSL Shields with the North Carolina Courage. On the international stage, she helped the United States win the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, a defining achievement in her early career. Her championship résumé is anchored by team success rather than individual awards, reflecting her role as a reliable contributor in defense and midfield.
North Carolina Courage Highlights
During her time with the North Carolina Courage from 2018 to 2021, Roccaro was part of a dynasty that captured back-to-back NWSL Shields and NWSL Championships. Her contributions helped the club set a standard of sustained excellence in the NWSL, and she remained a steady presence in the squad throughout the title runs.
United States Youth Honors
Roccaro’s most significant international honor came with the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title, won in Japan. She also represented the United States at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, captaining the team in Canada, and competed in multiple CONCACAF youth championships.
Cari Roccaro Family
Personal Life
Cari Elizabeth Roccaro is married and now goes by Cari Elizabeth Onwualu, having taken her spouse’s surname. Public details about her family remain limited, and she has largely kept her personal life out of the spotlight while focusing on her professional soccer career.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 NWSL season, Cari Roccaro continued her tenure with Chicago Stars FC, contributing as a versatile midfielder and defender. Across her three seasons with the Chicago organization, she tallied 61 NWSL appearances, providing experience and stability in a transitional period for the club. Her role in 2025 reflected her ongoing value as a veteran presence within the team’s defensive structure.
As the season progressed, Roccaro’s contributions helped anchor a Chicago squad navigating a rebrand from the Chicago Red Stars to the Chicago Stars FC. Her ability to play multiple positions gave the coaching staff flexibility, and she remained a consistent option in the team’s rotation. While the Stars worked to build a competitive foundation, Roccaro’s leadership stood out among a roster that blended youth and experience.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Roccaro departed from the Chicago Stars FC, closing her time with the club after three seasons. Her exit marked the end of a long NWSL journey that began with the Houston Dash in 2016, and she left the league having contributed to multiple championship-winning teams. Her next steps, whether as a player, coach, or in another soccer-related role, remain to be seen as she enters the next phase of her career.