Elizabeth Ball Bio
Elizabeth Rose Ball is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, she wears jersey number 7 and has become a reliable centerback known for her consistency and tactical awareness. She played college soccer for Penn State University and previously represented the Portland Thorns and Utah Royals in the NWSL.
Since turning professional in 2018, Ball has built a steady career across multiple clubs and has been part of championship-caliber teams at both the collegiate and professional levels. Her journey from a high school forward in Virginia to a decorated professional defender highlights her adaptability and commitment to the game.
Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Rose Ball was born on October 20, 1995, in Newport News, Virginia, in the United States. She grew up in the Richmond area, where she developed her early passion for soccer through club competition and high school play. Her athletic foundation was built in a region with a strong youth soccer culture, which helped shape her competitive drive.
Ball played on the Richmond Strikers ECNL (Elite Club National League) team, where she honed her skills against top-level youth competition. In 2013, she was selected to attend the ECNL id2/The Chance National Training Camp, a recognition given to elite young players in the United States. During her time on the ECNL team from 2011 to 2014, Ball scored 57 goals, showcasing her offensive ability before transitioning to defense at the collegiate level.
At Deep Run High School in Richmond, Virginia, Ball played as a forward from 2010 to 2014. The Wildcats soccer team reached the state quarterfinals in 2011, the semifinals in 2012 and 2014, and the finals in 2013, where they won the state title with a 2-1 victory over Battlefield High School. Ball scored both goals in that championship match and finished her senior year with 34 goals and 7 assists.
Path to Professional Soccer
Ball attended Penn State University from 2014 to 2017, where she majored in Biobehavioral Health. She made an immediate impact on the program, starting every game as a freshman centerback and helping the Nittany Lions reach the NCAA Elite Eight in 2015. Her transition from forward to defender proved successful, as she earned multiple weekly honors for her defensive performances during her sophomore season.
As a sophomore in 2015, Ball helped Penn State win the Big Ten Tournament and ultimately the NCAA College Cup Championship, with the team not allowing a single goal throughout the entire tournament. She started all 27 games that season on a backline that recorded 15 shutouts, a remarkable achievement that established her as one of the top defenders in college soccer. She continued to contribute throughout her junior and senior years, finishing her Penn State career ranked fourth all-time in minutes played with 7,881 minutes across 95 games.
Following her standout college career, Ball signed her first professional contract with the Portland Thorns in 2018, beginning her journey in the NWSL.
Elizabeth Ball Career
Early Career (2018-2019)
Elizabeth Ball began her professional career with the Portland Thorns in 2018, where she quickly adapted to the demands of the NWSL. She made her first start against the North Carolina Courage in Cary on March 24, 2018, and appeared in seven matches during her rookie season. Her debut year provided valuable experience at the top level of American women’s soccer.
In 2019, Ball expanded her role with the Thorns, playing in 16 matches and starting 14 of them. She recorded her first career playoff start in the NWSL semifinals against the Chicago Red Stars on October 20, playing 45 minutes in the postseason match. These two seasons in Portland helped establish her as a dependable defender ready for expanded responsibility.
Portland Thorns Era (2018-2019)
Ball’s time with the Portland Thorns gave her a strong foundation in the NWSL. The organization was among the league’s most successful clubs, and training alongside experienced players helped her refine her defensive approach. Her development during this period prepared her for the transitions that followed in her career.
Kansas City Current Era (2021-Present)
Before the 2021 season, Ball joined the Kansas City Current ahead of its inaugural campaign. She scored her first NWSL goal against the Houston Dash on October 13, 2021, marking an important milestone in her professional career. Following that season, she signed a three-year contract extension that kept her with the club through 2024.
On January 27, 2025, it was announced that Ball signed a two-year contract extension with the Current, reaffirming her importance to the team’s long-term plans. She was a key part of the Current’s historic 2025 season, which saw the club win its first NWSL Shield and set league single-season records for most wins (21), points (65), and shutouts (16). Her presence on the backline was central to a defensive unit that established new standards in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ball is recognized for her positional discipline, reading of the game, and composure under pressure. Her ability to organize the backline and contribute to shutouts has been a hallmark of her play, particularly during her time with the Kansas City Current. She combines the technical skills developed as a youth forward with the tactical intelligence required of a top-level centerback.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ball’s career highlights are her 2015 NCAA College Cup Championship with Penn State, her first NWSL goal in 2021, and her role in the Kansas City Current’s record-breaking 2025 season that delivered the club’s first NWSL Shield. Her consistent presence across college and professional soccer reflects a career built on reliability and team success.
Elizabeth Ball Career Wins
Elizabeth Ball has been part of championship-winning teams at both the collegiate and professional levels. Her most prominent team honors include the 2015 NCAA College Cup Championship with Penn State and the 2025 NWSL Shield with the Kansas City Current. These accomplishments reflect her contribution to defensive units that have set records for shutouts and championship success.
NWSL Highlights
Ball’s NWSL career has included steady contributions across multiple clubs, with her tenure at the Kansas City Current producing the most significant team success. She has been part of a defensive core that helped the Current set league records during their historic 2025 campaign. Her first NWSL goal in 2021 marked a personal milestone in her professional journey.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ball won a Virginia high school state championship with Deep Run in 2013, scoring both goals in the title match. She also helped Penn State capture the Big Ten Tournament title in 2015 en route to the national championship. These early achievements laid the groundwork for her professional success.
Elizabeth Ball Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Elizabeth Rose Ball was raised in Virginia, where she developed her soccer career through local clubs and high school competition. Her roots in the Richmond area and her time with the Richmond Strikers ECNL team provided the foundation for her future in the sport.
Personal Life
Ball is currently in a relationship with former Kansas City Current teammate Kristen Hamilton. In 2024, she co-founded Pitchside Coffee alongside Hamilton and fellow Current teammates Vanessa DiBernardo, Hailie Mace, Desiree Scott, and Mallory Weber. Pitchside Coffee became an official restaurant partner of CPKC Stadium in 2025.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a historic chapter in Elizabeth Ball’s career with the Kansas City Current. The club captured its first NWSL Shield and broke league single-season records for most wins (21), points (65), and shutouts (16), establishing the Current as one of the dominant teams in the league. Ball’s role on the backline was central to this defensive success.
Her two-year contract extension announced on January 27, 2025, reflected the organization’s confidence in her continued contribution. Throughout the season, she provided veteran leadership and stability in central defense, helping the team maintain consistency across a demanding schedule.
Looking ahead, Ball remains a key figure in the Current’s plans as they build on their 2025 success. Her experience and defensive reliability position her as a cornerstone of the club’s ambitions for continued championship contention in the seasons to come.