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). She played college soccer for the Duke Blue Devils before being drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. Stevens has established herself as a notable player in the league, showcasing her skills and determination on the field.
Early Life and Background
Ella Stevens was born in Snellville, Georgia, to parents Chip Stevens and Celeste Baker. She has a younger brother and grew up in a family that appreciated sports; her father played college soccer at Lander University. Stevens attended Grayson High School, where she excelled in soccer, recording an impressive 73 goals and 83 assists over her four-year career. Her early exposure to the sport was further enriched by playing club soccer for Gwinnett Soccer Academy in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). In January 2014, she committed to play college soccer at Duke University, a decision that would shape her future in the sport. In her senior year of high school, she was honored as the national Gatorade Player of the Year, recognizing her as the best high school soccer player in the country.
Path to Soccer
Stevens began her college career with the Duke Blue Devils in 2016, where she quickly made an impact. In her freshman season, she led the team with 10 goals and contributed six assists, earning All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) third team and ACC All-Freshman honors. Throughout her college career, she continued to excel, scoring five goals and leading the team with 11 assists in her sophomore year, helping Duke reach the NCAA semifinals. By her senior year in 2019, she recorded eight goals and six assists, maintaining her status as an all-ACC player for four consecutive years. After her successful college career, Stevens was selected 24th overall in the 2020 NWSL College Draft by the Chicago Red Stars, marking the beginning of her professional journey.
Ella Stevens Career
Early Career (2020-2023)
Stevens made her professional debut in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup on July 1, 2020, while on a short-term contract with the Chicago Red Stars. She officially joined the roster on October 9, 2020. Her first regular-season start came in the 2022 season opener against Racing Louisville, where she scored her first professional goal just one minute into the match. Over the course of the 2022 season, she recorded four goals and two assists in 19 appearances. In the 2023 season, Stevens started 16 of 22 matches, scoring four goals and providing one assist, although the Red Stars finished at the bottom of the table.
Breakthrough (2024-2025)
In January 2024, Stevens signed with NJ/NY Gotham FC on a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. She quickly made her mark, scoring her first goal for Gotham in a 1–1 draw against the San Diego Wave. A week later, she netted the winning goal against her former team, the Chicago Red Stars, and celebrated by kissing her new club’s badge. Stevens continued to impress, scoring both goals in a 2–0 victory over Bay FC and contributing to a 3–0 win against Guadalajara in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup group stage. She finished the regular season with seven goals and four assists in 22 appearances, helping Gotham secure a third-place finish in the standings. On May 25, 2025, she played in the 2025 CONCACAF W Champions Cup final against Tigres, where Gotham won 1–0, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Stevens’ signature work includes her impactful performances in both college and professional soccer, highlighted by her scoring ability and playmaking skills. She has been recognized for her contributions on the field, including her role in Gotham FC’s success during her tenure with the team.
Ella Stevens Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Ella Stevens has received recognition for her performances, particularly during her college years and her early professional career.
Ella Stevens Awards Won
Ella Stevens has achieved notable success in her soccer career, including winning the national Gatorade Player of the Year award during her high school career and contributing to her team’s victories in various competitions.
Ella Stevens Family
Ella Stevens comes from a supportive family that has encouraged her athletic pursuits. Her father, Chip Stevens, played college soccer, which likely influenced her passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Ella Stevens’ personal life remain private, with a focus primarily on her professional achievements and contributions to soccer.
