Paige Monaghan Bio
Paige Quinn Monaghan is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Utah Royals of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She also serves as captain of the Utah Royals, a leadership role she earned ahead of the 2024 season. Monaghan began her professional career in 2019 after being selected 10th overall by Sky Blue FC in the 2019 NWSL College Draft, becoming the first player from Butler University to be drafted into the league. A former United States youth international at the U-23 level, she has built her reputation as a versatile attacking talent with a strong scoring record from her college years.
Early Life and Background
Paige Quinn Monaghan was born on November 13, 1996, in Succasunna, a community within Roxbury Township, New Jersey. She was raised by her mother, Christine, and her father, Jim, alongside two brothers and one sister. Growing up in a supportive family environment in northern New Jersey, Monaghan developed an early passion for competitive team sports, including soccer and basketball.
She attended Roxbury High School, where she played four years of varsity soccer and two years of high school basketball. During her high school career, she scored 68 goals in 45 appearances, a remarkable scoring rate that drew statewide attention. In 2014, she was recognized as the NJ.com NJAC girls soccer Player of the Year, an award that marked her as one of the top young attacking players in New Jersey. Outside of her playing career, Monaghan has expressed interest in one day becoming a sports broadcaster.
Path to Soccer
Beyond her high school team, Monaghan also developed her game with the Players Development Academy, a well-known youth soccer program in the region. Her combination of high school and club experience helped her earn a place on the Butler University Bulldogs roster, where she would spend the next four years refining her skills as a college-level forward.
At Butler, Monaghan quickly established herself as a central attacking figure for the Bulldogs. Over the course of her four-year college career, she totaled 22 goals and 18 assists in 80 games played, demonstrating both consistent scoring and playmaking ability. Her performance at the college level drew the attention of National Women’s Soccer League scouts and set the stage for her entry into the professional ranks.
Paige Monaghan Career
College Career (2015–2018)
Monaghan joined the Butler Bulldogs in 2015 and played four seasons for the program, the entirety of her NCAA eligibility. She was a multi-year contributor in the Big East Conference, and her development into a top-tier collegiate forward was reflected in her postseason honors. In 2017, she was named the All-Big East Offensive Player of the Year, an award that recognized her as the most productive attacking player in the conference that season.
She was also selected to the All-Big East First Team in both 2017 and 2018, becoming one of the most decorated players in Butler women’s soccer history. Off the field, Monaghan completed her degree in marketing during her time at the university, balancing academic achievement with athletic success.
Sky Blue FC / NJ/NY Gotham FC (2019–2022)
Monaghan entered the 2019 NWSL College Draft as one of the most talked-about prospects from the Big East, and she was selected 10th overall by Sky Blue FC. Her selection was historic for her college program, as she became the first Butler University player ever drafted into the NWSL. She signed with the club in February 2019 and made her regular-season debut on April 13, 2019, beginning her professional career as a young forward looking to earn regular minutes.
The club underwent significant changes during her tenure, eventually rebranding as NJ/NY Gotham FC. Monaghan remained with the organization through 2022, gaining valuable NWSL experience and developing her professional game. During this period, she also represented the United States at the U-23 level in 2018 and 2019, and in December 2019 she received her first call-up to the senior United States women’s national soccer team.
Racing Louisville FC (2023)
In 2023, Monaghan was traded to Racing Louisville FC in a deal that saw Louisville send its first-round NWSL Draft pick, $150,000 in NWSL Allocation Money, and a 2023 international slot in exchange for her playing rights. The trade reflected the strong value that NWSL clubs placed on her as a young, versatile forward with both college accolades and several seasons of professional experience.
Utah Royals Era (2024–Present)
In December 2023, Monaghan was selected by the Utah Royals in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Heading into the 2024 season, she was named team captain, a sign of the leadership role the club envisioned for her both on and off the field. Wearing the number 4 shirt, she became a central figure in the Royals’ roster and an important voice in the locker room.
Driving Style and Strengths
Monaghan is known for her versatility in the attacking third, where she is comfortable playing across the forward line. Her college production of 22 goals and 18 assists in 80 games reflects a balanced skill set that combines finishing with creative passing. As a captain, she is also valued for her communication, work rate, and ability to organize attacking movements for her teammates.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones of her career came in 2019, when she became the first Butler Bulldogs player ever drafted into the NWSL. Her selection as Utah Royals captain ahead of the 2024 season marked another major achievement, affirming her standing as a respected leader in the league.
Paige Monaghan Career Wins
Monaghan’s career has been defined by individual accolades and team milestones rather than major trophy wins, and her verified awards reflect her development from a high school standout to a professional captain. Her honors include the 2014 NJ.com NJAC girls soccer Player of the Year, the 2017 All-Big East Offensive Player of the Year, and All-Big East First Team selections in 2017 and 2018. These achievements illustrate a steady progression from a decorated New Jersey high school player to a respected professional forward and team captain in the NWSL.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond her individual awards, Monaghan has earned recognition at the international level, representing the United States U-23 national team in 2018 and 2019. Her selection to the United States women’s national team camp in December 2019 highlighted her standing among the top American forwards of her generation.
Paige Monaghan Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Monaghan was raised in Succasunna, New Jersey, by her mother Christine and her father Jim, alongside two brothers and one sister. Her family provided a stable foundation that supported her development as a young athlete in a competitive soccer environment.
Personal Life
In December 2025, Monaghan married Major League Baseball player Declan Cronin. Following the marriage, she began using her married name, Paige Cronin, professionally in 2026.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NWSL season, Paige Monaghan continued her role as captain of the Utah Royals, providing veteran leadership in the attacking third. Building on her first season with the club in 2024, she remained a key figure in the team’s offensive structure and a mentor to younger players on the roster. Her experience from her time at Sky Blue FC, Gotham FC, Racing Louisville, and the Utah Royals gave her a broad perspective that supported the Royals’ ongoing project.
As a proven forward with a track record of college and professional production, Monaghan was expected to play a central role in the Royals’ efforts to climb the NWSL standings in 2025. Her combination of finishing ability, passing vision, and leadership made her one of the team’s most influential players throughout the campaign.
With her name now established in the league and a clear leadership role in Utah, Monaghan entered 2025 as a stabilizing presence for a club still defining its identity. Her continued contribution on the field and in the locker room positioned her as a cornerstone of the Utah Royals’ long-term plans.