DeAira Jackson Bio
DeAira Jackson (born March 23, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for the Utah Royals of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Cal State Fullerton Titans and the Grand Canyon Antelopes. Jackson is recognized for her impressive performances on the field, earning accolades such as the WAC Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and being named to the second-team All-Western Athletic Conference in 2023.
Early Life and Background
DeAira Jackson grew up in Fontana, California, where she was one of two daughters born to James Jackson and Regena Weatherford. Her early exposure to sports included playing soccer, track and field as a hurdler, and even one season of football as a kicker while attending Rancho Cucamonga High School. This diverse athletic background helped shape her skills and competitiveness on the field. Jackson graduated from high school early and enrolled in California State University, Fullerton, in 2020. However, her first season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed her college soccer career.
Path to Soccer
After the pandemic, Jackson played in 16 games over the next two seasons with the Cal State Fullerton Titans, starting 10 of them. Her performance earned her a spot on the Big West Conference all-freshman team in 2021. In addition to soccer, she began training in rugby sevens after winning the Next Olympic Hopeful competition, organized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. In 2023, Jackson transferred to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, where she became the primary goalkeeper for the Antelopes soccer team. In her debut season, she started all 23 games, recorded seven clean sheets, and earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors. Her contributions helped the team win the 2023 WAC tournament, and she was named to the all-tournament team.
DeAira Jackson Career
Early Career (2021-2024)
Jackson’s early career saw her transition from college soccer to professional play. After her time with the Cal State Fullerton Titans, she made a significant impact at Grand Canyon University. In her senior season in 2024, she started all 20 games and kept nine clean sheets, earning first-team All-WAC honors and being named the WAC Goalkeeper of the Year.
Breakthrough (2025-Present)
Jackson joined the Orlando Pride as a non-roster trialist during the 2025 preseason. On February 12, 2025, the Pride announced her signing on a short-term contract that lasted two and a half months. Following her time with the Pride, she signed with the Utah Royals on July 11, 2025, for the remainder of the season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jackson’s signature work includes her performances in college soccer, where she was recognized for her exceptional goalkeeping skills. Her awards include the WAC Goalkeeper of the Year and second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors.
DeAira Jackson Award Nominations
Throughout her career, DeAira Jackson has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during her college soccer years, highlighting her skills and contributions to her teams.
DeAira Jackson Awards Won
DeAira Jackson has won notable awards, including the WAC Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and second-team All-Western Athletic Conference in 2023, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
DeAira Jackson Family
DeAira Jackson is the daughter of James Jackson and Regena Weatherford. She has one sister, and her family has been supportive of her athletic pursuits from a young age.
Personal Life
Details about DeAira Jackson’s personal life are limited, as she tends to keep her private life out of the public eye. However, her commitment to soccer and her academic pursuits at California State University, Fullerton, and Grand Canyon University reflect her dedication to both her sport and education.