Kaleigh Riehl Bio
Kaleigh Ann Riehl is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the Utah Royals of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she has built her career on consistency, defensive organization, and aerial strength. She is widely recognized for her record-setting collegiate tenure and her steady presence across multiple NWSL clubs.
Born and raised in Virginia, Riehl developed her game through a long youth career before becoming a four-year starter at Penn State. She has since represented the United States at the U-18, U-20, and U-23 levels, and was called up to a senior team training camp in January 2019.
Early Life and Background
Kaleigh Ann Riehl was born on October 21, 1996, in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Growing up in a region with a strong youth soccer culture, she joined Braddock Road Youth Club early in her childhood. She spent eleven seasons with the club’s ’95 Elite team, an unusually long tenure that helped her refine her defensive skills and competitive mindset.
During her youth career, Riehl won several competitions with Braddock Road, including notable tournament titles. Her time with the club gave her the foundation she would later carry into national team duty and college soccer. By the time she finished her youth career in 2015, she had already been identified as one of the top defensive prospects in her age group.
Path to Soccer
Riehl’s path toward professional soccer began in the youth national team system. She represented the United States at the U-18 level from 2013 to 2014 before moving up to the U-20 team, where she earned a place on the squad that competed at the 2016 FIFA U-20 World Cup. She later joined the U-23 program, continuing her rise through the American player development pipeline.
Her selection for a senior team training camp in January 2019 marked a key milestone. The invitation confirmed her status as a prospect on the cusp of the senior national team. Combined with her standout college play, it positioned her as an early candidate for the 2020 NWSL College Draft.
Kaleigh Riehl Career
Early Career (2015-2019)
Kaleigh Ann Riehl played her entire college career at Penn State University, suiting up for the Nittany Lions from 2015 through 2019. As a freshman in 2015, she started all 27 matches, was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and helped Penn State win the NCAA Championship. The redshirt year that followed did not slow her progress, as she started six matches for the United States at the 2016 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
When she returned to the field, Riehl continued to dominate. She started all 24 matches as a sophomore with 13 clean sheets, then matched that defensive mark as a junior while earning Big Ten Defender of the Year honors. In her senior season, she again started all 25 matches, capping a career that ended with the NCAA record for minutes played by an outfield player, totaling 8,847 minutes.
NWSL Breakthrough (2020-2021)
On January 16, 2020, Kaleigh Ann Riehl took part in the NWSL College Draft and was selected 11th overall by Sky Blue FC. She made her professional debut on July 4, 2020, during the NWSL Challenge Cup, facing the Utah Royals. Her first professional season gave her valuable top-level experience in a compressed schedule.
On November 12, 2020, Riehl was selected by Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL Expansion Draft, signaling growing recognition of her defensive value. She also spent time on loan with Paris FC during the 2020-2021 period, gaining exposure to European football. These moves broadened her tactical understanding and prepared her for expanded roles in the league.
Expansion Era and San Diego Wave (2021-2023)
After her time at Racing Louisville, Riehl was chosen by San Diego Wave FC in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft on December 16, 2021. With San Diego, she became part of a defensive unit that helped the club win the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup. Her reliability and willingness to fill multiple defensive roles made her a steady contributor for the expansion side.
Her time in Southern California also brought team honors, with the Wave lifting a major trophy during her tenure. Riehl continued to log significant minutes in the back line, reinforcing her reputation as a dependable center back in the league.
Utah Royals Era (2024-Present)
On November 20, 2023, the Utah Royals announced that Kaleigh Ann Riehl had been acquired in a trade from San Diego Wave FC. The move returned her to the franchise where she had made her professional debut, and she joined the re-launched club wearing jersey number 18. The trade was viewed as a foundational addition to the team’s defensive core.
Since arriving in Utah, Riehl has continued to serve as a starting-caliber defender. Her familiarity with the organization and the league has made her a leader in the Royals’ back line, and she has provided mentorship to younger defenders on the roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Riehl is known for her positional discipline, aerial ability, and communication at the back. She reads the game well, organizes the defensive line, and is comfortable stepping into tackles or clearing dangerous crosses. Her endurance, sharpened by the NCAA minutes record, allows her to maintain concentration across full matches.
Notable Events and Milestones
Her milestone moments include winning the 2015 NCAA Championship with Penn State, setting the NCAA outfield minutes record at 8,847, making her NWSL debut in the 2020 Challenge Cup, and earning selection in two consecutive NWSL Expansion Drafts. She also added a team trophy with San Diego Wave’s 2023 Challenge Cup title.
Kaleigh Riehl Career Wins
Throughout her career, Kaleigh Ann Riehl has collected team championships and individual awards at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels. Her honors include an NCAA Championship with Penn State, Big Ten Defender of the Year honors, a Challenge Cup title with San Diego Wave, and a senior national team training camp call-up.
NWSL and Club Highlights
Riehl’s professional team silverware includes the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup with San Diego Wave FC. Her first NWSL appearance came on July 4, 2020, against the Utah Royals during the Challenge Cup. Her most recent team move brought her back to Utah, where she continues to feature for the Royals.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Riehl captured several tournament titles with Braddock Road Youth Club during an eleven-year youth career. She also represented the United States at the 2016 FIFA U-20 World Cup, starting six matches during the tournament. Her collegiate trophy case includes the 2015 NCAA Championship and multiple Big Ten defensive awards.
Kaleigh Riehl Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kaleigh Ann Riehl grew up in Fairfax Station, Virginia, in a supportive environment that allowed her to pursue a long youth soccer career. Her extended time with Braddock Road Youth Club reflects a family commitment to her athletic development over more than a decade.
Personal Life
In January 2025, Riehl’s boyfriend, professional soccer player Wesley Charpie, announced that he was leaving Louisville City in order to relocate closer to her. The announcement offered a rare public glimpse into her personal life, highlighting the couple’s connection through professional soccer.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NWSL season, Kaleigh Ann Riehl is firmly established as a starting defender for the Utah Royals. The club is in the early stages of a new era following its re-launch, and Riehl’s experience across multiple NWSL organizations makes her a stabilizing presence in the back line.
Her minutes record at the collegiate level and her adaptability across Sky Blue FC, Racing Louisville, Paris FC, San Diego Wave, and Utah give her a deep tactical foundation. As the Royals build chemistry with new teammates, her communication and organizational skills are expected to play a central role in the team’s defensive identity.
With the regular season underway, the outlook for Riehl and the Royals centers on defensive consistency, clean-sheet potential, and a push toward the NWSL playoffs. Her continued availability and leadership position her as one of the most experienced defenders on the Utah roster.