Christen Press Bio
Christen Annemarie Press (born December 29, 1988) is an American professional soccer player, entrepreneur, and sports journalist. She last played for Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Press made her debut for the national team during an international friendly against Scotland on February 9, 2013. Over her career, she made 155 appearances for her country and ranks ninth all-time with 64 goals scored. Press is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner, having contributed to the United States’ victories in 2015 and 2019.
Early Life and Background
Christen Press was born in Los Angeles, California, to Cody and Stacy Press. She was raised in the suburb of Palos Verdes Estates alongside her two sisters, Channing and Tyler. Both of her parents were athletes; her father played American football at Dartmouth, while her mother was a tennis player. Press began playing soccer at the age of five and attended Chadwick School for high school. As a two-year team captain and four-year starter of her high school’s soccer team, she led Chadwick to two Southern Section Division IV titles. During her high school career, she scored 128 goals, including a record 38 goals in her junior year. Press was recognized as an NSCAA High School All-American and a Parade Magazine All-American in 2006.
Path to Soccer
Press played club soccer for Slammers FC of Newport Beach, California, where she won the Golden Boot for most goals scored in the US Youth Soccer Association’s national championship tournament. After high school, she continued her soccer career at Stanford University, where she played for the Stanford Cardinal women’s soccer team from 2007 to 2010. Press became the all-time leading scorer for the Stanford Cardinal with 71 goals and broke several school records during her collegiate career. She was awarded the Hermann Trophy in 2010, recognizing her as the nation’s top college soccer player. Following her collegiate success, Press was drafted fourth overall by the Washington Freedom in the 2011 WPS Draft, earning the title of WPS Rookie of the Year.
Christen Press Career
Early Career (2009–2011)
Press began her professional career with Pali Blues in 2009, where she played until 2010. In 2011, she joined magicJack, where she scored her first professional goal and recorded a hat trick in a match against the Boston Breakers. Her performance earned her the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Rookie of the Year award.
Breakthrough (2012–2014)
After the folding of Women’s Professional Soccer, Press signed with Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan. She made an immediate impact, scoring multiple braces in her debut season and finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer. In 2013, Press joined Tyresö FF, where she became the league’s top scorer with 23 goals, making her the first American to earn the Golden Boot in the history of the Swedish League. Press returned to the NWSL in 2014, joining the Chicago Red Stars, where she continued to excel, scoring six goals in her first season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Press’s signature work includes her contributions to the United States national team, helping secure two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named to the NWSL Best XI multiple times.
Christen Press Award Nominations
Christen Press has received various nominations throughout her career, including for the Hermann Trophy and NWSL Player of the Month awards.
Christen Press Awards Won
Christen Press has won several prestigious awards, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019, and the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Rookie of the Year award in 2011.
Christen Press Family
Christen Press is married to Tobin Heath, a fellow U.S. Women’s National Team player. The couple has been together since 2015.
Personal Life
Press has been an advocate for adolescent health and serves as a Global Ambassador and Board Member for Grassroot Soccer. She has also spoken out about her experiences in the NWSL, including allegations of abuse against former Chicago Red Stars manager Rory Dames. Press is known for her involvement in various media and endorsements, including partnerships with Nike and Coppertone. She has appeared in several advertisements and was featured in the ESPN Body Issue.
