Casey Krueger Bio
Casey Marie Krueger is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left back for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Born on August 23, 1990, in Naperville, Illinois, Krueger has made significant contributions to women’s soccer, both at the collegiate and professional levels. She has earned recognition for her skills on the field, being named to multiple NWSL Best XI teams and representing her country in international competitions, including the Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Casey Marie Krueger was raised in Naperville, Illinois, by her parents, Kerrwin and LeeShelle Short. She attended Naperville Central High School, where she excelled academically, earning a spot on the honor roll and recognition as an Illinois State Scholar. Krueger was also a standout athlete, earning PARADE All-American honors in 2008 and achieving multiple accolades in track and field, including state championships in the 800m and 400m events. Her early exposure to soccer came through club play with the Chicago Magic, and she later played for the Chicago Red Eleven in the USL W-League.
Path to Soccer
Krueger’s soccer journey continued at Florida State University, where she played for the Florida State Seminoles women’s soccer team from 2008 to 2012. During her collegiate career, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a minor in Sociology and was a six-time member of the Dean’s list. Krueger’s performance on the field was impressive; she was a starting player in her freshman season and contributed significantly in assists and goals throughout her college career. After college, she was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NWSL College Draft by the Boston Breakers, although injuries delayed her professional debut.
Casey Krueger Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Krueger’s professional career began with the Boston Breakers, but she did not play in the league’s initial seasons due to injuries. In 2015, she played for Avaldsnes IL in Norway’s Toppserien, where she was recognized as one of the Top XI at the NISO Awards. This experience helped her regain her form and confidence on the field.
Breakthrough (2016–2023)
In 2016, Casey Krueger signed with the Chicago Red Stars, marking a significant turning point in her career. She was a starting defender in every match during her first season with the team, scoring two goals and earning a spot on the league’s Second XI team. Her performance continued to improve, and in 2017, she was named to the NWSL Best XI and nominated for Defender of the Year. Despite facing injuries in subsequent seasons, Krueger remained a key player for the Red Stars, contributing to their defense and earning further accolades.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Casey Krueger has established herself as a formidable player in women’s soccer. She has been part of the United States national team since 2016, earning two Olympic medals: a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her journey reflects her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Casey Krueger Award Nominations
Casey Krueger has received multiple nominations throughout her career, including recognition as a top defender in the NWSL. Her consistent performance has earned her spots on various All-Star teams and nominations for Defender of the Year.
Casey Krueger Awards Won
Krueger has won several awards during her career, including two Olympic medals with the United States national team. Her contributions to the sport have been recognized at both the collegiate and professional levels, showcasing her talent and hard work.
Casey Krueger Family
Casey Krueger is married to Cody Krueger, an emergency medicine physician. The couple announced their engagement in May 2020 and were married on December 5, 2020. They welcomed their first child, a son named Caleb, in July 2022.
Personal Life
In addition to her athletic career, Casey Krueger balances her personal life as a mother and wife. She remains active in her community and continues to inspire young athletes through her achievements on and off the field.