Katharine Lillian Scott Bio
Katharine Lillian Scott (born June 20, 2007) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right back for the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Penn State Nittany Lions for one season. She won bronze with the United States at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Early Life and Background
Katharine Scott was raised in Fairview, Pennsylvania, the only daughter of Karen and Nick Scott, and has three older brothers. She comes from a family of many Penn State alumni, including her parents who played for the men’s soccer and women’s gymnastics teams. Scott played club soccer as a right winger or center forward for Internationals SC, the nearest Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) team despite being two hours away in Ohio, where she was a three-time ECNL All-American and two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American. She attended Fairview High School, where she played for the basketball team but not the soccer team. She committed to Penn State over offers from other top programs like North Carolina and Virginia and graduated from high school one year early to start college at the age of 17.
Path to Soccer
At age 17, Scott played for the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2024 season. She had 2 goals and 2 assists in 11 appearances (4 starts), dealing with injury early in the season and missing about a month while at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. She scored both of her goals and made all four starts during the NCAA tournament, helping Penn State reach the quarterfinals, where she scored in a 2–1 loss to eventual champions North Carolina. After one season, she chose to turn professional and forgo her remaining college eligibility.
Katharine Lillian Scott Career
Early Career (2024)
The Kansas City Current announced on January 8, 2025, that the club had signed Scott to her first professional contract on a one-year deal. In July, she made her debut in the Teal Rising Cup exhibition tournament, starting both matches. On August 7, the Current announced that Scott would join fellow NWSL club Racing Louisville on loan until the end of the season, using the league’s newly introduced intraleague loan mechanism. On September 12, she was recalled without having made any appearances for Louisville. Later in the month, after the Current clinched the NWSL Shield, she made her NWSL debut by starting in a 4–1 win over the Chicago Stars. On December 3, she re-signed with the Current on a two-year contract through 2027.
Breakthrough (2025)
Scott was called into the United States national under-15 team by head coach Katie Schoepfer at the start of 2022. Despite being a natural forward for club, she established her place on the youth national team by showing versatility and moving to defensive midfielder or outside back. She helped lead the United States to victory at the 2022 CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship, captaining the squad in the semifinals against the Dominican Republic and appearing off the bench in the final against Canada. Two years later, Scott started for the United States as they defeated Mexico in the final of the 2024 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship. She appeared in all 6 games (4 starts) at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, helping the United States place third, its best result since 2008.
Notable Works and Milestones
Katharine Scott’s signature work includes her participation in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where she contributed to the team’s success by playing in all matches and securing a bronze medal. Her achievements at the collegiate level with the Penn State Nittany Lions also highlight her early career milestones.
Katharine Lillian Scott Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Katharine Scott has been recognized for her contributions to soccer, particularly during her time with the youth national teams and her collegiate career.
Katharine Lillian Scott Awards Won
Scott has achieved notable success in her young career, including winning a bronze medal with the United States at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Katharine Lillian Scott Family
Katharine Scott is the only daughter of Karen and Nick Scott, and she has three older brothers. Her family has a strong connection to Penn State, with multiple alumni in her lineage.
Personal Life
Details about Katharine Scott’s personal life are limited, as she is focused on her burgeoning soccer career. She is currently a player for the Kansas City Current and is expected to continue her development in the sport.