Carson Pickett Bio
Carson Leighann Pickett (born September 15, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left back for Denver Summit FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She is widely recognized as an advocate for limb difference awareness, having been born without a left forearm and hand. Pickett has built a professional career across the NWSL and the Australian W-League, and she became the first player with a limb difference to represent the United States Women’s National Team.
A graduate of Florida State University, Pickett was drafted fourth overall by Seattle Reign FC in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. She went on to earn NWSL Best XI honors in 2021 and 2022 with the North Carolina Courage, cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most consistent defenders and contributors in the attacking third.
Early Life and Background
Carson Leighann Pickett was born on September 15, 1993, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States. She was born without a left forearm and hand, a condition that has shaped both her personal outlook and her public advocacy. Despite the physical difference, Pickett embraced soccer from an early age and developed into one of the top young players in her region.
Raised in Fleming Island on the northeastern coast of Florida near Jacksonville, Pickett attended St. Johns Country Day School, where she won three state championships with the school’s soccer team. In 2012, her senior-year performances earned her the Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year award for the state of Florida, along with the Florida Times-Union First Coast Player of the Year honor. Her success at the high school level established her as a national recruit and a defender to watch at the next level.
Path to Soccer
Pickett committed to Florida State University, where she played for the Florida State Seminoles from 2012 to 2015. A four-year starting defender, she became a central figure in one of the strongest programs in NCAA Division I women’s soccer. Her development under the Seminoles’ coaching staff prepared her for the demands of professional soccer and gave her a platform to showcase her ability on both sides of the ball.
Her college career reached its high point in 2014, when she helped lead the Seminoles to their first NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. Anchoring a defense that allowed no goals throughout the tournament, Pickett demonstrated the composure, positioning, and leadership that would define her professional career. That championship run elevated her draft stock and set the stage for her selection in the 2016 NWSL College Draft.
Carson Pickett Career
Early Career (2016-2017)
Pickett was selected by Seattle Reign FC as the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NWSL College Draft. Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey praised Pickett as a player the club had tracked closely for a long time, expressing confidence that she would be a valuable addition to the squad. She made her professional debut during Seattle’s season opener against Sky Blue FC on April 17, 2016.
In October 2017, Pickett was loaned to Brisbane Roar of the Australian W-League for the 2017-18 season. She scored her first professional goal on November 10, 2017, in a 1-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Her time in Australia offered valuable first-team experience and exposure to a different style of play.
Orlando Pride Era (2018-2020)
In January 2018, Pickett was acquired by the Orlando Pride in a trade that sent Steph Catley to Seattle. She played in nineteen of twenty-four matches during her first Orlando season, including sixteen starts, helping the club compete in a deep NWSL field. Her versatility and defensive reliability made her a regular in the starting lineup.
When the 2020 NWSL season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pickett moved on loan to Cypriot First Division club Apollon Ladies in August 2020, though she never made an appearance for the team. After a period away from match play, she returned to the Orlando Pride later that year, continuing her development as an established NWSL defender.
Brisbane Roar Breakthrough (2017-2020)
Pickett returned to Brisbane Roar for additional loan spells during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 W-League seasons. On February 23, 2020, she recorded her first career multi-goal game, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Canberra United. Her consistent performances in Australia were recognized when she was named Brisbane Roar’s Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season.
Across her multiple stints with Brisbane Roar, Pickett matured into a more attack-minded full back, contributing goals and creative play from the left flank. Her experience in the W-League sharpened her tactical understanding and broadened her game, preparing her for the most productive stretch of her NWSL career.
North Carolina Courage Era (2021-2022)
On February 4, 2021, North Carolina Courage acquired Pickett in a trade with Orlando in exchange for the playing rights to Jodie Taylor. Over her two seasons with the Courage, Pickett contributed eleven assists, including an NWSL-leading six assists in 2022. Her ability to combine defensive solidity with creative output from left back made her one of the most complete players in the league.
Her form in North Carolina earned her NWSL Best XI honors in both 2021 and 2022, as well as a nomination for NWSL Defender of the Year. Pickett’s time with the Courage marked the peak of her club career to date and solidified her status as a top-tier NWSL defender.
Racing Louisville Era (2023-2024)
In January 2023, Racing Louisville FC acquired Pickett along with fellow North Carolina Courage defender Abby Erceg in a trade for Emily Fox. Pickett signed a three-year contract with Racing through the 2025 season, reflecting the club’s confidence in her experience and quality. She continued to provide leadership and attacking threat from the left back position.
On August 16, 2024, Pickett returned to the Orlando Pride in a trade that sent $75,000 in allocation funds to Louisville, beginning a final chapter with the club where her NWSL career had first flourished.
Denver Summit Era (2025-Present)
On December 1, 2025, it was announced that Pickett would depart the Orlando Pride as a free agent. Just over three weeks later, on December 22, 2025, NWSL expansion club Denver Summit FC signed Pickett to a two-year contract ahead of the team’s inaugural season. The move positioned her as an experienced leader for a brand-new franchise entering the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Pickett is recognized for her tactical intelligence, positional discipline, and ability to contribute in the attacking phase. She combines defensive reliability with high-quality crossing and service from the left flank, making her a dual threat. Her professionalism and consistency have allowed her to adapt to multiple systems and teammates throughout her career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Pickett’s most significant moments is her senior international debut for the United States on June 28, 2022, against Colombia, making her the first player with a limb difference to play for the USWNT. She also became the subject of a viral photograph during the 2019 NWSL season, in which she was pictured “fist-bumping” a young fan who was also born without a left forearm and hand, an image that resonated widely and helped raise awareness for limb difference.
Carson Pickett Career Wins
Across her club career, Pickett has earned individual recognition through multiple NWSL Best XI selections and a Brisbane Roar Player of the Year award, while contributing to team success including the 2014 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship with Florida State. Her combination of team trophies and individual honors reflects a career built on consistency and impact at every stop.
College Highlights
As a four-year starter at Florida State University from 2012 to 2015, Pickett helped the Seminoles capture the 2014 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. Anchoring a defense that posted a clean sheet throughout the tournament, she played a central role in delivering the program’s first national title.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond her collegiate success, Pickett has been a consistent contributor in the NWSL and W-League. She earned NWSL Best XI honors in 2021 and 2022, led the NWSL in assists during the 2022 season, and was named Brisbane Roar’s Player of the Year for 2019-20. Her advocacy work with Nike on the Phantom GT Academy FlyEase boots also stands out as a meaningful off-field achievement.
Carson Pickett Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Pickett’s immediate family are limited. She was raised in Fleming Island, Florida, where she attended St. Johns Country Day School and developed her love for soccer. Her upbringing in a supportive environment helped shape the determination and confidence that have defined her professional career.
Personal Life
Pickett was previously in a relationship with Racing Louisville FC teammate and former New Zealand international Abby Erceg. Beyond her playing career, she has built a meaningful platform as an advocate for limb difference awareness, frequently speaking about her experiences and using her visibility to inspire others with physical differences.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 NWSL season, Pickett completed her final year with the Orlando Pride, the club she had rejoined in a mid-2024 trade from Racing Louisville. Her veteran presence helped stabilize the team’s back line, and she continued to provide attacking contribution from the left back position.
On December 1, 2025, the Pride announced that Pickett would depart the club as a free agent, closing her second stint in Orlando. Shortly afterward, she signed with expansion side Denver Summit FC, signaling the next chapter of her career with a new franchise preparing for its inaugural NWSL campaign.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Pickett is expected to play a central role for Denver Summit FC as one of the most experienced players on the roster. Her combination of NWSL pedigree, international experience, and leadership qualities positions her to be a foundational figure for the expansion club.
