Ella Stevens Bio
Ella Hendley Stevens (born December 11, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Boston Legacy FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). A consistent goal scorer and creative forward, she has built her career in the NWSL after a decorated college run with the Duke Blue Devils. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, Stevens combines physical presence with a strong passing game and finishing touch.
Early Life and Background
Ella Hendley Stevens was born in Snellville, Georgia, to Chip Stevens and Celeste Baker, and she grew up with a younger brother. Her father played college soccer at Lander University, giving the family an early connection to the sport. She attended Grayson High School, where she emerged as one of the most productive attackers in the country, recording 73 goals and 83 assists across four varsity seasons.
Outside of high school soccer, Stevens played club soccer for Gwinnett Soccer Academy in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), one of the top youth development pipelines in the United States. In January 2014, while still in high school, she committed to play college soccer at Duke University. Her senior year brought national recognition when she was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year for the 2015–16 season as the country’s best high school soccer player.
Path to Professional Soccer
Stevens joined the Duke Blue Devils in 2016 and quickly became a central figure in the program. As a freshman, she led the team with 10 goals and added six assists, including two goals and two assists across the first four rounds of the 2016 NCAA tournament, earning All-ACC third team and ACC All-Freshman honors. Her playmaking continued to grow, and in her sophomore year she scored five goals and led Duke with 11 assists as the team reached the 2017 NCAA semifinals.
Across her four college seasons, Stevens earned All-ACC recognition every year, finishing her senior year in 2019 with eight goals and six assists while starting every match. After the 2019 season, she declared for the 2020 NWSL College Draft, where the Chicago Red Stars selected her 24th overall, beginning her professional career.
Ella Stevens Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Stevens made her professional debut in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup on July 1, 2020, appearing for the Chicago Red Stars on a short-term contract. She was officially signed to the roster on October 9, 2020, beginning her tenure with the club that had drafted her. Across her first two seasons in Chicago, she worked to establish herself as a regular contributor within a deep attacking group.
Chicago Red Stars Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Stevens earned her first regular-season start in the opening match of the 2022 season on April 30 against Racing Louisville, and she scored her first professional goal in the opening minute. She went on to record four goals and two assists in 19 appearances that year, becoming a regular in the Chicago attack. In 2023, she started 16 of 22 matches, scored four goals, and added one assist, although the Red Stars finished at the bottom of the NWSL table that season.
Gotham FC Era (2024–2025)
On January 22, 2024, Stevens signed with NJ/NY Gotham FC on a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. She scored her first goal for Gotham in a 1–1 draw against the San Diego Wave, then netted the winner in the 90th minute against her former club, the Chicago Red Stars, in a 2–1 victory the following week. She added two goals in a 2–0 win over Bay FC and finished the 2024 regular season with 7 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances as Gotham placed third in the standings.
On May 25, 2025, Stevens played in the 2025 CONCACAF W Champions Cup final against Tigres, helping Gotham win 1–0 to become the inaugural winners of the competition. At the end of 2025, she departed the club upon the expiration of her contract, with Gotham chairman Yael Averbuch West describing her as a true professional and a joy to watch during her time in New Jersey.
Boston Legacy Era (2026–Present)
On December 22, 2025, NWSL expansion club Boston Legacy FC announced the signing of Stevens to a two-year contract with a mutual option for a third year. She joined the new franchise as one of its early marquee signings, bringing top-flight experience from two previous NWSL clubs. Her move to Boston positioned her as a central figure in the expansion team’s attacking build.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a forward, Stevens combines clean finishing with a strong creative passing game, often operating as a connector between midfield and the final line of attack. Her college career highlighted her ability to lead an offense in both goals and assists, and her professional seasons have shown consistency in chance creation. Teammates and coaches have pointed to her movement off the ball and composure in front of goal as defining strengths.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stevens was named the 2015–16 Gatorade National Player of the Year in high school, was drafted 24th overall in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, and won the inaugural 2025 CONCACAF W Champions Cup with Gotham FC. Her 90th-minute winner against her former club Chicago Red Stars in 2024 was one of the most memorable moments of her club career.
Ella Stevens Career Wins
Across her youth, college, and professional career, Stevens has collected a range of team and individual honors, including a national high school player of the year award, four All-ACC college selections, and the inaugural CONCACAF W Champions Cup title in 2025.
National Team and Tournament Highlights
Stevens represented the United States at the under-19 and under-20 levels, contributing a goal in the group stage of the 2015 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship against Haiti as the United States won the tournament. She also played friendlies with the under-23 team during the 2018 preseason. In January 2025, she received her first call-up to the senior United States national team.
Other Wins and Performances
At the club level, Stevens helped the Duke Blue Devils reach the 2017 NCAA semifinals, scored 7 goals during the 2024 NWSL regular season with Gotham, and finished 2024 with a strong run of form that included multiple match-winning performances. Her work in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup included a goal and two assists in a 3–0 win against Guadalajara.
Ella Stevens Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Stevens was raised in Snellville, Georgia, by her parents, Chip Stevens and Celeste Baker, alongside a younger brother. Her father played college soccer at Lander University, providing an early sporting influence that helped shape her path into the game.
Personal Life
Stevens has kept most of her personal life private, focusing public attention on her professional career. She continues to be active on social media, where she shares updates from her club career and life off the pitch.
2025 Season Performance
Stevens entered 2025 with Gotham FC following a strong 2024 campaign that included 7 goals and 4 assists in the regular season. She was a regular starter during the early part of the year and played a key role in Gotham’s run to the 2025 CONCACAF W Champions Cup final against Tigres on May 25, which Gotham won 1–0 to claim the inaugural title.
Across the NWSL regular season, Stevens continued to contribute goals and assists while helping Gotham remain among the league’s competitive sides. Her form in front of goal and her experience in big matches reinforced her reputation as a reliable attacking option at the top level of American women’s soccer.
At the end of 2025, Stevens departed Gotham upon the expiration of her contract, with the club publicly praising her professionalism. Her subsequent signing with expansion side Boston Legacy FC on December 22, 2025, set the stage for the next phase of her career as a veteran presence in a new franchise.
