Kylie Nadaner Bio
Kylie Allyssa Nadaner, born on March 18, 1992, is an American soccer player who plays as a center back for the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). A native of Endicott, New York, she built her career across the United States and Europe before returning stateside to become a defensive cornerstone for the Pride.
Nadaner played college soccer at Boston University from 2010 to 2013 before launching her professional journey overseas. She has represented FFC Frankfurt II in Germany, Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic, and Atlético Madrid in Spain. In 2024, she helped the Orlando Pride capture both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship, cementing her status as one of the league’s most reliable defenders.
Early Life and Background
Kylie Allyssa Nadaner, who later took the married surname Nadaner, was born on March 18, 1992, in Endicott, New York, to parents Richard and Roxanne Strom. She grew up alongside a sibling, Corey, in a household that encouraged athletic participation. Her hometown community in the Southern Tier region of upstate New York provided the foundation for her lifelong commitment to soccer and track.
At Union-Endicott High School, Nadaner emerged as one of the state’s top young soccer talents. She was named the New York State Class AA Player of the Year and earned NSCAA All-American honors while leading her team to two New York West State Cup titles. Beyond soccer, she competed in track and field, qualifying for the state championship in the 400 meters during both her sophomore and junior years.
Outside of school competition, Nadaner sharpened her skills playing youth club soccer for Syracuse Surge Fury. That developmental environment, combined with her high school success, set the stage for her move to the collegiate ranks.
Path to Soccer
Nadaner’s standout youth career earned her a roster spot at Boston University, where she played four seasons of collegiate soccer from 2010 to 2013. As a freshman, she appeared in all 22 matches and led the America East Conference with nine assists, including a three-assist performance against Vermont that tied a single-game school record. She was recognized with America East All-Rookie Team and All-Championship Team honors.
Across her four years at Boston University, Nadaner made 86 appearances, scoring 14 goals and recording 17 assists. She was named team captain ahead of her senior season in 2013 and earned All-Patriot League First Team and Patriot League All-Tournament Team recognition. In June 2014, she received an invitation to the United States under-23 national team training camp, becoming only the second Boston University player to earn that distinction.
Although Nadaner declared for the 2014 NWSL College Draft, she was not selected. Undeterred, she took her talents abroad, joining the FFC Frankfurt II reserve team for the 2014–15 2. Bundesliga season in Germany. That move launched a professional path that would eventually bring her back to the NWSL as a polished center back.
Kylie Nadaner Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Nadaner began her senior career in Germany with FFC Frankfurt II during the 2014–15 2. Bundesliga season. The experience of playing professional soccer overseas helped her develop a deeper tactical understanding of the center back position and prepared her for the demands of top-flight European leagues.
She returned to the United States and joined the Boston Breakers Reserves, having previously played for the Breakers’ college academy team while at Boston University. On July 15, 2016, she was called up to the NWSL first team as an amateur national team replacement player, and she made her Breakers debut two days later as a substitute in a 3–2 defeat to Sky Blue FC. Signed to a professional contract in August 2016, she finished the season with seven appearances and three starts.
Sparta Prague Breakthrough (2017–2019)
In August 2017, Nadaner signed with Czech Women’s First League club Sparta Prague, where she quickly became a key contributor. In her debut season, she helped Sparta win their first league title in five years and captured the Czech Women’s Cup, beating Slovácko 3–1 in the final. She was named Most Valuable Player of the cup final, the 2017–18 Czech Women’s First League Player of the Season, and the club’s player of the season.
Nadaner signed a one-year extension in May 2018 and continued her dominance as Sparta defended both the league title and the cup. She was again voted Sparta’s player of the season for the second consecutive year. During the 2019 cup final, she scored Sparta’s lone goal in a 1–1 draw with rivals Slavia Prague, although the team fell short in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.
Atlético Madrid Era (2019–2021)
In August 2019, Sparta Prague sold Nadaner to Spanish Primera División side Atlético Madrid for an undisclosed fee. Her first goal for the club came on September 26, 2019, during the second leg of the 2019–20 UEFA Women’s Champions League round of 32. Trailing 1–0 on the night to Serbian side Spartak Subotica, Nadaner scored an 83rd-minute equalizer that sent Atlético through 4–3 on aggregate.
Over two seasons in Madrid, Nadaner gained experience competing in both the Spanish league and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She left the club upon the expiry of her contract in 2021, having established herself as a dependable international defender.
Orlando Pride Era (2021–Present)
On July 5, 2021, Nadaner signed a two-year contract with Orlando Pride and quickly became a regular in the team’s defensive rotation. In June 2023, she was named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month for May, recognizing her consistent performances at the back. On December 7, 2023, she committed her long-term future to the Pride by signing a three-year contract extension.
As vice captain in 2024, Nadaner made 25 appearances with 24 starts during the regular season as the Pride claimed the NWSL Shield with the league’s best record. Her central defensive partnership with Emily Sams helped set an NWSL record with 13 shutouts in a single season, and both players were nominated for NWSL Defender of the Year, with Sams ultimately winning the award. Nadaner then played every minute of the playoffs as Orlando won its first NWSL Championship with a 1–0 victory over the Washington Spirit.
Driving Style and Strengths
Nadaner is widely regarded as a composed, positionally sound center back with strong aerial ability and excellent reading of the game. Her chemistry with Emily Sams in 2024 produced one of the most stingy defenses in NWSL history, and her willingness to play every minute of the championship run reflected her durability and leadership. Her European experience also brought a tactical discipline and calmness under pressure that has become a hallmark of her game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among her signature moments, Nadaner’s 2019 Champions League equalizer against Spartak Subotica stands out as one of her most dramatic European goals. In the NWSL, her record-setting 2024 campaign with Orlando Pride culminated in a championship-winning performance, and on June 13, 2025, she reached the milestone of her 100th match for the Pride.
Kylie Nadaner Career Wins
Kylie Allyssa Nadaner has collected meaningful silverware at every major stop of her professional career, from the Czech Women’s First League to the NWSL. Her honors include a Czech league and cup double with Sparta Prague, two seasons of UEFA Women’s Champions League experience with Atlético Madrid, and the 2024 NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship with Orlando Pride.
Orlando Pride Highlights
With Orlando Pride, Nadaner has helped transform the franchise into an NWSL powerhouse. In 2024, the Pride posted the best regular-season record in the league to claim the NWSL Shield and then went on to win the NWSL Championship with a 1–0 victory over the Washington Spirit. Nadaner started 24 of 25 regular-season matches and played every minute of the playoff run.
Other Wins and Performances
At Sparta Prague, Nadaner won back-to-back Czech Women’s First League titles and Czech Women’s Cup trophies in 2017–18 and 2018–19, while earning Player of the Season honors in both campaigns. She was named MVP of the 2017–18 cup final and represented Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout rounds during her two seasons in Spain.
Kylie Nadaner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Nadaner was raised in Endicott, New York, by her parents, Richard Strom and Roxanne Strom. She has one sibling, Corey. Her family’s support during her youth in Union-Endicott helped her pursue soccer and track at the highest levels available in upstate New York.
Personal Life
Kylie married Evin Nadaner and began using her married surname in 2025. The couple announced in December 2025 that they are expecting their first child, due in May 2026. Outside of her playing career, Nadaner joined Common Goal in September 2020, pledging one percent of her salary to a collective fund that supports soccer charities around the world.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NWSL season has continued the momentum established by the Pride’s historic 2024 campaign. Nadaner remains a central figure in the back line, having reached her 100th appearance for the club on June 13, 2025, a milestone that underscores her durability and importance to the franchise. Her partnership with Emily Sams continues to anchor a defense built on chemistry and communication.
As vice captain, Nadaner provides leadership and experience to a Pride squad aiming to defend both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship. Her composure in high-pressure matches and her ability to read the game have kept her among the league’s most reliable defenders heading into the business end of the season.
Looking ahead, the Pride will lean on Nadaner as they navigate the playoffs, with their sights set on becoming the first NWSL team in years to repeat as champions. With her contract running through 2026 and a growing family on the way, Nadaner’s influence on and off the field remains a defining element of Orlando’s success.
