Kaleigh Kurtz Bio
Kaleigh Nicole Kurtz (born September 9, 1994) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center back for Denver Summit FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She holds the NWSL records for consecutive games started and consecutive minutes played. Kurtz played college soccer for the Richmond Spiders and the South Carolina Gamecocks, earning first-team All-American honors in 2016. After one season with Swedish club Östersunds DFF, she joined the North Carolina Courage in 2018, winning two NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships in her first two seasons. After becoming a starter in 2021, she logged a record four consecutive iron woman seasons and helped win two NWSL Challenge Cup titles. She has been named to the NWSL Best XI twice, including a first-team selection in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Kaleigh Kurtz grew up in Greer, South Carolina. She started playing soccer at the age of four in her local YMCA league and switched to the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy at age nine. In addition to soccer, she participated in other competitive sports, including swimming and running. Throughout her soccer career, she has primarily played the position of defender, specifically center back. Kurtz attended Riverside High School, where she was a three-time all-State winner. Unfortunately, during her junior year, she broke her femur, which impacted her college recruiting prospects. Kurtz began her college soccer career at the University of Richmond in 2013, where she started 18 games. After one season, she transferred to the University of South Carolina, making 69 appearances for the Gamecocks. South Carolina reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament in 2014 and 2016. In her senior year in 2016, she earned First Team NSCAA All-American honors, was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and was a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist.
Path to Soccer
Following her college career, Kaleigh Kurtz played for Östersunds DFF in the Swedish Elitettan, fulfilling her desire to play overseas. During her time with the club, she made 12 appearances and served as team captain. In March 2018, Kurtz signed with the North Carolina Courage after being a non-roster invitee during the 2018 preseason. She made her debut on April 18, 2018, starting at center back against the OL Reign. In her first season, she made six appearances in the regular season and two in the Women’s International Champions Cup. Kurtz’s option for 2019 was picked up in October 2018. During the NWSL offseason of 2019-2020, she played in the Australian W-League for Canberra United on loan from the North Carolina Courage. She played every minute in the 12-game season, leading the league in clearances and receiving the Canberra United Player of the Year award.
Kaleigh Kurtz Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Kaleigh Kurtz began her professional career in 2017 with Östersunds DFF, where she made a significant impact in her debut season. After her time in Sweden, she joined the North Carolina Courage in 2018, where she quickly established herself as a valuable player on the team. In her first two seasons with the Courage, she contributed to the team’s success by winning two NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships.
Breakthrough (2021-2025)
Kurtz’s breakthrough came in the 2021 season when she became one of the starting center backs for the North Carolina Courage alongside Abby Erceg. She played every minute of the regular season in 2022, marking her first season as an iron woman. Following this season, she signed a new three-year contract with the Courage. Kurtz continued her iron woman streak through the 2023 season, ranking second in the NWSL in blocks. In 2024, she broke the NWSL regular-season consecutive minutes record, showcasing her durability and skill on the field. On April 26, 2025, she scored a crucial 90th-minute equalizer against the Kansas City Current, helping the Courage secure their first win of the season. She also marked her 100th consecutive start in a match against Angel City FC, becoming the first NWSL player to reach this milestone with a single club. Kurtz set an NWSL record with her 107th consecutive start on September 6, 2025, completing her fourth consecutive iron woman season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kaleigh Kurtz’s signature work includes her record-setting performances in the NWSL, where she has been recognized for her contributions to the North Carolina Courage. She has received multiple accolades, including being named to the NWSL Best XI twice, with a first-team selection in 2024. Her achievements highlight her dedication to the sport and her impact on the field.
Kaleigh Kurtz Award Nominations
Kaleigh Kurtz has received several nominations throughout her career, recognizing her outstanding performances and contributions to her teams. Her accolades include being named to the NWSL Best XI, showcasing her status as one of the top defenders in the league.
Kaleigh Kurtz Awards Won
Throughout her career, Kaleigh Kurtz has won numerous awards, including NWSL Shields and NWSL Championships with the North Carolina Courage. Her individual accolades further emphasize her talent and commitment to the sport.
Kaleigh Kurtz Family
Information regarding Kaleigh Kurtz’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Kaleigh Kurtz’s personal life, including her marital status and relationships, are not publicly disclosed.
