Ryan Campbell Bio
Ryan Cady Campbell is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Stanford Cardinal and the UCLA Bruins and was named the Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year with Stanford in 2023. Campbell’s journey in soccer has been marked by significant achievements and a commitment to excellence on the field.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Cady Campbell was born on March 18, 2002, in Mission Viejo, California. She grew up in Laguna Beach and attended JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. During her time at JSerra, she excelled in multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, and tennis. In soccer, she led her team to three consecutive CIF Southern Section state championships and earned the Trinity League defensive player of the year award in 2019. Additionally, Campbell played club soccer for So Cal Blues, where she won four ECNL national championships and was named an ECNL All-American in 2018. Initially, she committed to play for UCLA but later switched her commitment to Stanford University.
Path to Soccer
At Stanford, Ryan Campbell served as the understudy to starting goalkeeper Katie Meyer during her first two seasons. She redshirted her freshman year and made only five appearances as a sophomore in 2021. Tragically, Meyer passed away in the spring of 2022, which led to Campbell stepping into a more prominent role. In her junior season in 2022, she started 21 games, achieving eight solo clean sheets and earning third-team All-Pac-12 honors. Stanford won the Pac-12 Conference that year but was eliminated in the NCAA tournament second round by BYU. In her senior season in 2023, Campbell started 23 games, recorded 11 solo clean sheets, and was named first-team All-Pac-12 and the Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year.
Ryan Campbell Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Ryan Campbell’s collegiate career began with the Stanford Cardinal, where she played from 2020 to 2023. During her time at Stanford, she made significant contributions to the team’s success, culminating in her recognition as the Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023. After her impressive college career, Campbell transferred to the UCLA Bruins for her graduate season in 2024, where she continued to excel by leading the nation with 16 clean sheets.
Breakthrough (2025–Present)
Campbell’s professional career began when Gotham FC announced on January 10, 2025, that they had signed her to a one-year contract. She made her professional debut on June 13, 2025, against the Utah Royals, where she played the final minutes of the match. On August 12, 2025, Gotham FC extended her contract for three years, keeping her with the club through 2028. She made her first professional start on September 17, 2025, in a 4–1 victory against the Vancouver Rise Academy. Campbell was part of the Gotham FC team that won the 2025 NWSL Championship, marking a significant milestone in her early professional career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ryan Campbell’s signature achievements include being named the Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year and leading the nation in clean sheets during her time at UCLA. Her contributions to Gotham FC have also been noteworthy, as she played a role in the team’s successful championship run in 2025.
Ryan Campbell Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Ryan Campbell has received several nominations and honors, including being recognized as the Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023 and earning All-Pac-12 and All-Big Ten selections.
Ryan Campbell Awards Won
Ryan Campbell has achieved notable awards during her career, including the Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023 and first-team All-Pac-12 honors. Additionally, she was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2024.
Ryan Campbell Family
Ryan Campbell is the daughter of Terry and Joe Campbell and has an older brother. Her family has been supportive of her athletic pursuits throughout her career.
Personal Life
Ryan Campbell is known for her close friendship with her UCLA and Gotham teammate Lilly Reale. She was Gotham’s nominee for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award in 2025, recognizing her work with Katie’s Save, a mental health advocacy group founded in honor of her Stanford teammate Katie Meyer.