Nealy Martin Bio
Nealy Cameron Martin (born April 22, 1998) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender or defensive midfielder for Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Alabama Crimson Tide. She has also previously played for Racing Louisville FC and Gotham FC. She has occasionally served as an emergency goalkeeper, most notably in the closing minutes of Gotham’s victory in the 2023 NWSL Championship.
Early Life and Background
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Nealy Martin began playing soccer at the age of three. She attended Oak Mountain High School, where she helped lead the team to the Class 7A state championship in 2015, conceding a school-record-low six goals throughout her senior season. Martin played club soccer for Birmingham United in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). After her senior season, she was named the Birmingham Player of the Year and was recognized as the top-ranked recruit from the state of Alabama.
Path to Soccer
Initially wanting to attend Auburn University, the alma mater of her parents, Martin was recruited by the University of Alabama during her junior year of high school. She made an immediate impact on the Alabama Crimson Tide women’s soccer team, appearing in all 19 games (16 starts) during her freshman season in 2016. In her sophomore year, she started all 18 games, helping Alabama qualify for the NCAA tournament, although they lost in the first round. Martin continued her strong performance in her junior season, starting 19 games and scoring two goals, and in her senior year, she scored a career-high three goals while helping her team reach the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament.
Nealy Martin Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Nealy Martin began her professional career with Racing Louisville FC after attending open tryouts in December 2020. She officially signed with the club on April 5, 2021, and made her professional debut on April 10, starting in a 2–2 draw against the Orlando Pride in the NWSL Challenge Cup. During her time with Racing Louisville, she appeared in 18 matches (13 starts) in her first season and made four starts in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Breakthrough (2023)
After being waived by Racing Louisville at the end of the 2022 season, Nealy Martin was signed by NJ/NY Gotham FC on December 8, 2022. She made her club debut on April 19, 2023, and recorded her first assist on June 25, 2023. Martin’s versatility was showcased when she played as an emergency goalkeeper during the 2023 NWSL Championship, contributing to Gotham’s victory. She finished the regular season with 15 appearances (13 starts) as a defensive midfielder.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nealy Martin’s signature moment came during the 2023 NWSL Championship, where she stepped in as goalkeeper after a teammate was sent off. Gotham FC won the match, and Martin’s performance solidified her reputation as a reliable player in high-pressure situations.
Nealy Martin Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Nealy Martin has received recognition for her performances, particularly during her time with Gotham FC, where she played a crucial role in their championship run.
Nealy Martin Awards Won
Nealy Martin has been part of the Gotham FC team that won the 2023 NWSL Championship, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Nealy Martin Family
Information regarding Nealy Martin’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Nealy Martin’s personal life, including her marital status and relationships, are not publicly disclosed.