Kate Wiesner Bio
Kate McGuire Wiesner (born February 11, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left back or winger for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Penn State Nittany Lions and was selected by the Spirit in the first round of the 2024 NWSL Draft. She represented the United States at the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Early Life and Background
Kate Wiesner grew up in Monrovia, California, as the daughter of Scott and Mary Wiesner. She joined Slammers FC at age 13, where she achieved significant success, winning three ECNL national championships with the club. However, her early career faced challenges, including an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2018, which impacted her development as a player. Wiesner was recognized as a top prospect, being ranked by TopDrawerSoccer as the No. 1 prospect of the 2019 class, which was part of Penn State’s top-ranked recruiting class. She graduated from Monrovia High School.
Path to Soccer
Wiesner’s college career began at Penn State, where she quickly became a starter. She made an immediate impact by scoring a goal in her college debut against Stanford. Unfortunately, she suffered a second anterior cruciate ligament injury during her freshman season, which sidelined her for two years. Upon her return in 2021, Wiesner made 19 appearances and scored one goal during her junior season. In 2022, she led the Big Ten Conference with 11 assists and scored two goals in 23 games, showcasing her growth and resilience as a player.
Kate Wiesner Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
Wiesner’s college career at Penn State was marked by her determination and skill. After recovering from her injuries, she was named co-captain for her fifth and final season in 2023, scoring two goals and adding five assists in 21 games. Her performance earned her third-team All-Big Ten honors, contributing to the conference’s best scoring defense. This period solidified her reputation as a talented player ready for the professional stage.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Wiesner was drafted by the Washington Spirit with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NWSL Draft, marking a significant milestone in her career. She signed a three-year contract with the team and made her professional debut as a starter in the season-opening match against the Seattle Reign on March 17, 2024. On June 8, 2024, she scored her first professional goal against the Utah Royals, helping her team secure a victory. Throughout her rookie season, she made 15 regular-season appearances, contributing to the Spirit’s strong performance as they finished second in the standings.
Notable Works and Milestones
Wiesner’s signature moments include her debut season with the Washington Spirit and her impactful performances in the playoffs, where she played a crucial role in the team’s journey to the 2024 NWSL Championship. Despite facing injuries, her resilience and skill have made her a key player for the Spirit.
Kate Wiesner Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Kate Wiesner has been recognized for her contributions on the field, particularly during her time at Penn State and with the Washington Spirit. Her performances have garnered attention, setting the stage for future accolades.
Kate Wiesner Awards Won
Kate Wiesner has achieved notable recognition during her soccer career, including honors during her college years with the Penn State Nittany Lions. Her contributions to the team and her individual performances have been acknowledged, showcasing her talent and dedication.
Kate Wiesner Family
Kate Wiesner is the daughter of Scott and Mary Wiesner. Her family has been supportive of her soccer journey, encouraging her passion for the sport from a young age.
Personal Life
Details about Kate Wiesner’s personal life are limited, as she focuses on her professional career. As of now, she is dedicated to her role with the Washington Spirit and her development as a player.
