Danielle Colaprico Bio
Danielle Jessica Colaprico (born May 6, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). A central midfielder with a reputation for accurate passing and intelligent movement, Colaprico has spent the bulk of her career in the NWSL while also representing Australian W-League clubs during the NWSL offseason. She was named the 2015 NWSL Rookie of the Year after a debut season with the Chicago Red Stars and later added an Australian W-League championship with Sydney FC to her résumé. Colaprico has also represented the United States at senior international level.
Early Life and Background
Colaprico grew up in Freehold Township, New Jersey, a community that produced several notable athletes across American sports. She attended Red Bank Catholic High School, where she played on the school’s girls’ soccer program and developed the technical base that would later define her professional career. Her performances in youth soccer earned her recognition as one of the top midfield prospects in her recruiting class.
Coming from a supportive family environment in central New Jersey, Colaprico balanced athletics and academics during her teenage years. Her early exposure to organized soccer, combined with coaching at the club and high school levels, helped shape the vision and distribution skills she is known for. Those formative experiences set the stage for her move to the University of Virginia.
Path to Soccer
Colaprico joined the University of Virginia and played for the Virginia Cavaliers women’s soccer team from 2011 to 2014. Over four collegiate seasons she became a fixture in the Cavaliers’ midfield and finished her career as the program’s all-time leader in assists (44) and appearances (100). Her durability and creativity in the middle of the park drew attention from professional scouts.
Her college production translated into national recognition ahead of her senior season. Colaprico entered the 2015 NWSL College Draft as one of the most accomplished midfielders in the class. On January 2015, the Chicago Red Stars selected her with the ninth overall pick, launching her professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Danielle Colaprico Career
Early Career (2015)
Colaprico made an immediate impact in her rookie season with the Chicago Red Stars. She scored her first professional goal on May 2 against Sky Blue FC, helping Chicago win 1–0. Her composure on the ball and consistency in central midfield quickly established her as a regular starter for the club.
On September 14, 2015, the NWSL announced that Colaprico had been voted the league’s Rookie of the Year, beating fellow finalists Sofia Huerta and Sam Mewis. She was also named to the NWSL Second XI in 2015, 2016, and 2017, underscoring her rapid rise in the league.
Chicago Red Stars Era (2015–2022)
Across eight NWSL seasons, Colaprico became one of the Chicago Red Stars’ most dependable midfielders. The club reached the NWSL playoffs multiple times during her tenure, and Colaprico’s passing range and game-reading ability were central to the team’s possession-based identity. She routinely logged heavy minutes and served as a link between the defense and attacking line.
In October 2016, Colaprico was loaned to Australian club Adelaide United alongside Red Stars teammates Katie Naughton and Sofia Huerta. She re-signed with Adelaide in October 2017, joining Naughton and Alyssa Mautz for another W-League season in Australia.
On September 28, 2018, Colaprico joined Sydney FC for the 2018–19 W-League season alongside several American players, including Sofia Huerta, Aubrey Bledsoe, and Savannah McCaskill. She appeared in 11 matches, started both playoff games, and helped Sydney win the 2018–19 W-League Championship. Colaprico departed the Red Stars at the end of the 2022 NWSL season.
San Diego Wave Era (2023–2024)
On December 5, 2022, Colaprico signed with San Diego Wave Fútbol Club on a two-year deal, becoming part of an ambitious expansion project in Southern California. She featured regularly for the Wave across two NWSL seasons, bringing veteran leadership and steady distribution to the midfield.
At the end of her second season, the Wave announced that Colaprico would not be returning to the club and would instead explore opportunities as a free agent. Her departure closed a productive two-year chapter in California and set the stage for her next move.
Houston Dash Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Colaprico signed with the Houston Dash, joining a club in the midst of a competitive rebuild. Her arrival added NWSL experience and a calm passing presence to the Dash midfield. She is expected to play a significant role in the team’s 2025 season and beyond.
Playing Style and Strengths
Colaprico is a left-footed central midfielder known for accurate short and medium-range passing, smart positioning, and the ability to dictate tempo from deep. Her endurance allows her to contribute on both sides of the ball, while her vision helps her break lines with progressive passes. Coaches have praised her professionalism and consistency across long seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Colaprico’s signature moments include her debut professional goal against Sky Blue FC in 2015, her 2015 NWSL Rookie of the Year award, and her role in Sydney FC’s 2018–19 W-League Championship run. She also represented the United States at the senior level, earning her first cap on November 8, 2018, as a second-half substitute against Portugal.
Danielle Colaprico Career Wins
Across her professional career, Colaprico has built a résumé that includes a major Australian W-League title and consistent NWSL performances over multiple seasons. Her trophy to date at club level is the 2018–19 W-League Championship won with Sydney FC.
W-League Highlights
Colaprico’s most celebrated team achievement came with Sydney FC in the 2018–19 W-League season. She made 11 appearances, started both playoff matches, and helped the club lift the championship. Earlier, she had played two W-League seasons on loan with Adelaide United, gaining international experience during the NWSL offseason.
Other Wins & Performances
Colaprico was a key part of Chicago Red Stars teams that regularly competed for playoff positioning in the NWSL between 2015 and 2022. While she did not win an NWSL title, her contributions helped anchor one of the league’s most consistent franchises throughout that era.
Danielle Colaprico Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Colaprico grew up in Freehold Township, New Jersey, in a supportive family that encouraged her athletic development from a young age. Her New Jersey roots and her time at Red Bank Catholic High School helped shape the disciplined approach she has carried into her professional career.
Personal Life
Outside of soccer, Colaprico is active on social media and maintains a public presence on platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). She is widely identified by the nickname “Danny” among teammates and fans.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NWSL season marks Colaprico’s first year with the Houston Dash after joining the club as a free agent. She is expected to anchor the midfield and provide experienced distribution as the Dash look to climb the league standings. Her familiarity with multiple NWSL systems should ease her transition into the Houston lineup.
On the international stage, Colaprico last appeared for the United States in 2018 and has not featured at senior level since the 2019 SheBelieves Cup, when she withdrew due to a groin injury. Her focus in 2025 is expected to remain on her club duties with the Dash.
Long term, Colaprico continues to add to one of the more durable careers among American midfielders of her generation, with more than a decade of top-flight soccer behind her and an established role in Houston heading into the new season.