Dani Weatherholt Bio
Danielle Marie Weatherholt (born March 17, 1994) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder or defender for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Santa Clara Broncos and was drafted by the Orlando Pride in the fourth round of the 2016 NWSL College Draft. In 2018, she joined Melbourne Victory on loan and won the W-League Premiership. After four seasons in Orlando, she was traded to the OL Reign in 2020, then selected by Angel City FC with the first pick in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft. She signed with the Courage as a free agent in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Dani Weatherholt was born in Laguna Beach, California, to Doug and Gail Weatherholt. She was raised with her two brothers in Capistrano Beach, California, where she attended San Clemente High School. At San Clemente High School, Weatherholt played on the women’s varsity soccer team for four years. Weatherholt played club soccer for Southern California Club for nine years, seven of which she served as team captain. She played for the Cal South State Team in 2011–2012 when she was ranked #5 in Southern California and #19 nationally by Top Drawer Soccer. During her time playing for Southern California Club, Weatherholt contributed to the acquisition of several awards, including the 2011 ODP National Champions and the 2011 U17 Far West Regional Champions.
Path to Soccer
Weatherholt attended Santa Clara University from 2012 to 2015, where she majored in Liberal Studies and Pre-Teaching. During her freshman year, she started all 22 games and was named to the All-WCC Honorable Mention, WCC All-Freshman team, and the Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Team of the Year. During her sophomore year, she played in all 22 games and helped the Broncos reach the Round of 16 of the 2013 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament. Her junior year saw her start all 20 games for the Broncos, earning All-WCC Honorable Mention and WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention. Weatherholt started all 21 games of her senior year, making the WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention, Third Team All-West Region, First Team All-WCC, and NSCAA Scholar Second Team All-West Region.
Dani Weatherholt Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
In January 2016, Weatherholt was selected by the Orlando Pride in the fourth round (31st overall pick) of the 2016 NWSL College Draft. She signed with the club in April 2016 and went on to make 12 appearances in her first year. Her contract option was exercised for the 2017 season, where she made 19 appearances and scored one goal. In 2018, Weatherholt played 23 games for the club, tying for the most in the season for any Orlando Pride player alongside Shelina Zadorsky. On October 16, 2018, the Melbourne Victory announced they had signed Weatherholt on loan for the 2018–2019 W-League season. She made 12 appearances as the team won the Premiership title, marking Weatherholt’s first professional trophy.
Breakthrough (2020–2023)
On January 22, 2020, Weatherholt was traded to OL Reign in exchange for Reign’s natural second-round pick in the 2021 NWSL College Draft. After her time with OL Reign, Weatherholt was selected by Angel City FC with the first overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft. She made 41 regular season appearances across two seasons in Los Angeles, winning 185 duels, 47 tackles, and creating 10 chances. On January 16, 2024, North Carolina Courage announced they had signed Weatherholt as a free agent to a two-year contract through 2025. She made her club debut as a 74th-minute substitute to score the last goal in a 5–1 opening day win over the Houston Dash on March 16. Head coach Sean Nahas deployed her variously at defensive midfielder, center back, and left back, stating that she is a versatile player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Weatherholt has been recognized for her contributions on the field, including her time with the Santa Clara Broncos and her achievements with the Melbourne Victory. She has consistently demonstrated her skills and versatility, earning her place in the professional soccer landscape.
Dani Weatherholt Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Dani Weatherholt has received various nominations, reflecting her impact and performance in the National Women’s Soccer League and collegiate soccer.
Dani Weatherholt Awards Won
Dani Weatherholt has achieved notable recognition in her soccer career, including winning the W-League Premiership with Melbourne Victory, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Dani Weatherholt Family
Dani Weatherholt was born to Doug and Gail Weatherholt and has two brothers. Details about her family life remain private.
Personal Life
In July 2024, Weatherholt was one of five active NWSL players who represented the NWSL Players Association at the final negotiations in Philadelphia that updated the league’s collective bargaining agreement through 2030.