Jaedyn Shaw Bio
Jaedyn Reese Shaw (born November 20, 2004) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Shaw signed with the San Diego Wave at age 17 in 2022, becoming the NWSL’s second-youngest player at the time. In 2023, she helped the club win the NWSL Shield and was named to the NWSL Best XI. After three seasons in San Diego, she moved to the North Carolina Courage before joining Gotham FC in a record intraleague trade, winning the 2025 NWSL Championship in her first season with the Bats. Shaw has also represented the United States on various youth national teams and made her senior debut in 2023, contributing to the team’s success at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Frisco, Texas, Jaedyn Shaw is the daughter of a Vietnamese mother, Ann, and a Black father, Lance. She grew up in a sports-oriented family, with her older sister and younger brother also involved in athletics. From a young age, Shaw showed a keen interest in soccer, often attending her sister’s games and trying to play herself. Her parents made significant sacrifices to support her ambitions, living in a one-bedroom apartment for a time to afford her training and travel for competitions. Shaw’s early exposure to soccer included playing for local clubs and participating in futsal, which she credits for her technical growth and understanding of the game.
Path to Soccer
Jaedyn Shaw began her soccer journey at a young age, playing for Solar SC from the age of five. She later joined the FC Dallas youth academy, where she helped the team secure the under-15 championship in 2018. By 2019, at just 14 years old, she verbally committed to play for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill starting in the 2024 season. During her youth career, she also trained with the French club Paris Saint-Germain, showcasing her potential on an international level. In 2022, Shaw was recognized as the second-ranked top prospect for the high school class of 2023 by Top Drawer Soccer.
Jaedyn Shaw Career
Early Career (2022-2024)
In July 2022, Jaedyn Shaw signed with the San Diego Wave FC, entering the NWSL through a discovery process that allowed her to bypass age restrictions. She made her debut on July 30, 2022, against the Chicago Red Stars, becoming the youngest player to score in her debut at the age of 17 years and eight months. Throughout her first season, Shaw demonstrated her scoring ability, finishing with three goals in seven matches. Her performance earned her a multi-year contract extension in August 2023, during which she became the youngest player to score the most goals as a teenager in NWSL history and helped the Wave win its first-ever NWSL Shield.
Breakthrough (2025)
In January 2025, Shaw was traded to the North Carolina Courage in a significant deal that included a substantial allocation fee. Later that year, she joined Gotham FC in another record-setting trade, which involved a league-record $1.25 million in transfer fees. During the 2025 playoffs, Shaw made a notable impact, scoring two goals and providing an assist in crucial matches, including a standout performance against the Kansas City Current.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jaedyn Shaw’s signature achievements include winning the NWSL Shield with the San Diego Wave and being named to the NWSL Best XI. She has also made history as the first Vietnamese-American to represent the United States Women’s National Team and has been recognized for her contributions to the sport at various levels.
Jaedyn Shaw Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Jaedyn Shaw has received several nominations for her outstanding performances on the field, including recognition as the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2022.
Jaedyn Shaw Awards Won
Jaedyn Shaw has achieved notable success in her young career, including winning the NWSL Shield with the San Diego Wave and earning the Golden Ball at the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup for being the best player of the tournament.
Jaedyn Shaw Family
Jaedyn Shaw’s family background includes her Vietnamese mother and Black father, who have played a significant role in her life and career. They have supported her ambitions from a young age, making sacrifices to ensure she had the opportunities to pursue her passion for soccer.
Personal Life
Jaedyn Shaw is the first Vietnamese-American to represent the United States Women’s National Team, highlighting her unique heritage and the diversity within the sport. She continues to inspire young athletes and represents a new generation of soccer players making their mark on the international stage.
