Penelope Hocking Bio
Penelope Elizabeth Hocking (born December 29, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Bay FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the University of Southern California Trojans, where she became the program’s all-time top scorer and was named first-team All-American. She also played for the Penn State Nittany Lions before being selected by the Chicago Red Stars in the first round of the 2023 NWSL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Penelope Hocking grew up in Anaheim, California, where she played high school soccer for Canyon High School. She played youth soccer for SoCal Blues, with which she won the 2015 Elite Clubs National League U15 National Championship. Hocking’s athletic background is notable, as her parents are both athletes; her mother, Venetta Dorlis, played basketball at Cypress College, and her father, Denny Hocking, is a former Major League Baseball player. Hocking has a fraternal twin sister, Iliana, and they were the first twins born to a member of the Minnesota Twins.
Path to Soccer
Hocking’s soccer journey began at a young age, influenced by her family’s athletic background. She excelled in high school soccer, which led to her recruitment by the University of Southern California. Hocking played NCAA Division I women’s soccer for the USC Trojans from 2018 to 2021. During her time at USC, she was named the Pac-12 Conference freshman of the year in 2018 and earned three All-Pac-12 selections from 2019 to 2021. In 2020, she was recognized as the Pac-12 Forward of the Year and was named a first-team All-American. Hocking set a program record for career goals scored on October 7, 2021, finishing her career with 54 goals, which ranks among the top in Pac-12 history.
Penelope Hocking Career
Early Career (2018-2021)
Hocking’s collegiate career began at the University of Southern California, where she made a significant impact on the field. She played for the USC Trojans from 2018 to 2021, where she became the program’s all-time leading scorer. After her successful tenure at USC, she transferred to Penn State University in 2022 to utilize an extra year of NCAA eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At Penn State, she scored seven goals and led the Big Ten Conference with 11 assists during the season.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
Hocking’s professional career began when she was selected by the Chicago Red Stars with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft. On March 20, 2023, she signed a three-year contract with the Red Stars. She made her professional debut on March 25, 2023, starting in a match against San Diego Wave FC. Hocking scored her first professional goals in her third appearance, netting a brace against Kansas City Current in a 4-2 victory. On August 31, 2024, she was traded to Bay FC for a $350,000 transfer fee, one of the largest in women’s soccer history, allowing her to play closer to her home.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hocking’s signature accomplishments include her record-setting goal tally at USC and her rapid ascent in the NWSL, where she has already made a significant impact in her early career. Her transition to Bay FC marks a new chapter in her professional journey, as she continues to develop her skills and contribute to her team’s success.
Penelope Hocking Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Penelope Hocking has received recognition for her outstanding performances, particularly during her collegiate career at USC and Penn State.
Penelope Hocking Awards Won
Hocking has achieved notable accolades, including being named first-team All-American and earning multiple All-Pac-12 selections during her college career.
Penelope Hocking Family
Penelope Hocking’s family includes her parents, Denny Hocking and Venetta Dorlis, both of whom have athletic backgrounds. She has a fraternal twin sister, Iliana Hocking, who also plays soccer and was drafted into the NWSL.
Personal Life
Hocking’s personal life reflects her commitment to soccer and her family. She and her twin sister have shared experiences in their athletic careers, including competing against each other in college soccer. At the University of Southern California, Hocking majored in computer science, showcasing her dedication to both academics and athletics.