Karlie Lema Bio
Karlie Lema is an American professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Bay FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the California Golden Bears, where she was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 16 goals in her senior season. Lema has made significant strides in her soccer career, transitioning from youth leagues to professional play in a short span of time.
Early Life and Background
Karlie Lema was born on June 29, 2003, in Morgan Hill, California. She grew up in a family of five, with four siblings. Her father, Dave Lema, played football at San Jose City College, while her mother, Annie Bergholz, was a track athlete at Northern Colorado. Lema’s early athletic pursuits included track and gymnastics, but she began playing soccer at the age of ten, which is considered relatively late for many athletes. She played club soccer for MVLA Soccer Club and committed to the University of California, Berkeley, in eighth grade. Lema attended Live Oak High School, where she excelled in soccer, track, and volleyball, earning the Blossom Valley Athletic League Most Valuable Player award three times. However, she faced challenges with hip issues that sidelined her for 18 months before her college career began.
Path to Soccer
Lema’s journey in soccer began to take shape during her high school years. She was rated a four-star recruit by TopDrawerSoccer and was part of a highly regarded incoming class at California. As a freshman at the California Golden Bears, she quickly made her mark, leading the team with six goals in 18 games and earning a spot on the Pac-12 Conference All-Freshman Team. Despite undergoing hip surgery to repair her labrum after her freshman season, she returned to the field and continued to contribute to her team’s success. Lema’s junior year saw her scoring four goals and providing four assists, which earned her third-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Karlie Lema Career
Early Career (2021-2024)
Lema’s college career was marked by impressive performances and resilience. After her surgery, she bounced back to score five goals in her sophomore season. Before her senior year, she played for the San Francisco Glens in the pre-professional USL W League, where she honed her skills further. In her senior season, she opened strong, ranking first in the nation with 13 goals over the first ten games of 2024. Although the California Golden Bears finished seventh in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Lema’s individual performance shone through, culminating in her being named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-ACC.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
Lema’s transition to professional soccer began when Bay FC announced on December 30, 2024, that they had signed her to a three-year contract. She made her professional debut on March 15, 2025, coming on as a substitute in a match against the Utah Royals. The following week, she made her first start and scored her first professional goal in a match against Racing Louisville, showcasing her ability to impact games at the professional level.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lema’s signature work includes her performance during her senior season at California, where she scored 16 goals, and her rapid ascent to professional soccer with Bay FC. Her accolades include being named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year, highlighting her talent and potential in the sport.
Karlie Lema Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Karlie Lema has received notable nominations, including the ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Karlie Lema Awards Won
Karlie Lema has won the ACC Offensive Player of the Year award in 2024, recognizing her outstanding performance during her senior season.
Karlie Lema Family
Karlie Lema comes from a supportive family background. Her father, Dave Lema, and mother, Annie Bergholz, have both been involved in athletics, which likely influenced her pursuit of sports.
Personal Life
Details about Karlie Lema’s personal life, including her relationships and children, are not publicly available. However, her dedication to soccer and her family background are evident in her journey as an athlete.