Khyah Harper Bio
Khyah Lynn Harper (born August 15, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and was named Big Ten Forward of the Year in 2024. Harper has quickly made a name for herself in the sport, showcasing her talent and determination on the field.
Early Life and Background
Khyah Harper was born and raised in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. She is the daughter of Desiree and Brett Harper. Her father played college football at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and her older sister, Sadie, played soccer alongside her throughout high school and college. Khyah also has a cousin, Hunter Miska, who is a professional ice hockey player. Growing up, Khyah and her sister participated in multiple sports, including softball, baseball, and track, but soccer was where Khyah found her true passion. Harper began her high school career at North Branch Area High School before transferring to Centennial High School. She committed to play for the University of Minnesota before her freshman year. During her junior year, she helped Centennial reach the state championship game. In her senior season, she scored an impressive 26 goals and provided 10 assists, earning accolades such as the Minnesota Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year and the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year for 2020. Over her five seasons in high school, she finished with a remarkable total of 134 goals and 71 assists. During this time, she also played club soccer for Minnesota Thunder Academy, where she earned ECNL All-American honors in 2018.
Path to Soccer
Khyah Harper’s journey in soccer began at a young age, influenced by her family’s athletic background. After excelling in high school soccer, she transitioned to collegiate soccer at the University of Minnesota, where she faced challenges due to injuries but continued to demonstrate resilience. Over her first three seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, she made 46 appearances, starting 25 of those games. Unfortunately, she underwent surgeries to repair both of her ankles and one knee during this period. Despite these setbacks, she showcased her talent during the summer with Salvo SC, where she scored 16 goals and won the WPSL golden boot for the 2024 season. In her senior year, she made a significant impact, scoring back-to-back hat tricks in her first three games and finishing the season with 17 goals, ranking second in the nation. Her performance helped the Golden Gophers secure their first NCAA tournament bid in six years, reaching the third round. For her outstanding contributions, she was named Big Ten Forward of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and second-team All-American by United Soccer Coaches.
Khyah Harper Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Khyah Harper began her collegiate career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2021. Despite battling injuries, she made a notable impact on the team, contributing significantly to their success. In 2024, she was recognized as the Big Ten Forward of the Year, solidifying her status as a rising star in collegiate soccer.
Breakthrough (2025–Present)
Harper’s professional career began when Gotham FC announced on January 8, 2025, that they had signed her to her first professional contract. She made her professional debut on March 23, 2025, coming on as a substitute in a match against the Orlando Pride. On August 1, 2025, she scored her first professional goal during her first start, showcasing her potential as a forward. Harper continued to impress during the 2025–26 CONCACAF W Champions Cup group stage, scoring in a match against Monterrey. She signed a one-year contract extension in September 2025, indicating her importance to the team. Despite finishing her rookie season with one goal in 12 league appearances, she contributed to Gotham FC’s success as they won the 2025 NWSL Championship.
Notable Works and Milestones
Khyah Harper’s signature work includes her performance during the 2024 collegiate season, where she was named Big Ten Forward of the Year. Additionally, her professional debut and first goal for Gotham FC mark significant milestones in her career.
Khyah Harper Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Khyah Harper has received recognition for her outstanding performances, including her nomination for the Big Ten Forward of the Year in 2024.
Khyah Harper Awards Won
Khyah Harper has achieved notable accolades, including being named the Big Ten Forward of the Year in 2024, highlighting her exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.
Khyah Harper Family
Khyah Harper is the daughter of Brett and Desiree Harper. She has an older sister, Sadie, who has also played soccer at a competitive level.
Personal Life
Khyah Harper maintains a private personal life, focusing on her soccer career. There are no publicly available details regarding her relationships or marital status.