Sydney Rae Leroux Bio
Sydney Rae Leroux is a Canadian-born American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Born in Canada to a Canadian mother and an American father, Sydney came up through the Canadian system and represented Canada at various youth levels until she chose to play for the United States women’s national under-20 soccer team starting in 2008. Leroux has earned over 75 caps with the senior national team and was part of the Americans’ winning squads at the 2012 London Olympics and 2015 Women’s World Cup.
Early Life and Background
Sydney Leroux was born on May 7, 1990, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. She was raised by her mother, Sandi Leroux, a former Canadian national softball player, after her parents separated when she was three months old. Leroux’s father, Ray Chadwick, was a professional baseball player. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, she initially played baseball for Whalley Little League from 1994 to 2004 before transitioning to soccer. During her high school years, she attended Johnston Heights Secondary School, where she excelled as the leading scorer on the soccer team and also competed in track and field. Leroux played club soccer with Coquitlam City Wild, contributing to the team’s success in Provincial Cup Championships and national tournaments. At a young age, she expressed her desire to play for the United States women’s national soccer team, prompting her move to Scottsdale, Arizona, at 15 to pursue her goal.
Path to Soccer
Leroux’s soccer journey began with her involvement in youth teams, where she quickly gained recognition for her scoring ability. After moving to the United States, she played for Sereno Soccer Club, leading them to state titles in 2007 and 2008. Leroux’s collegiate career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 2008 to 2011 further solidified her reputation as a formidable player. Under head coaches Jill Ellis and B. J. Snow, she became one of the top scorers in the Pac-10, earning numerous accolades, including All-American honors. Leroux’s professional career began in 2005 when she made her debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the W-League, becoming the youngest player to do so at age 15. She later played for various teams in the NWSL, including the Boston Breakers, Seattle Reign FC, and Orlando Pride, showcasing her talent and determination.
Sydney Rae Leroux Career
Early Career (2005-2012)
Leroux’s early career was marked by her impressive performances with the Vancouver Whitecaps, where she became a standout player. She returned to the Whitecaps in 2011, ranking second in the league for goals scored. In 2012, she was the number one pick in the WPS Draft by the Atlanta Beat, although the league folded before she could play. Instead, she joined the Seattle Sounders Women, where she made a significant impact during the summer season. Leroux’s professional debut for the Boston Breakers in the inaugural NWSL season in 2013 was a notable milestone. She scored the league’s first-ever hat trick and was named NWSL Player of the Week, establishing herself as a key player in the league.
Breakthrough (2013-2015)
Leroux’s breakthrough moment came during her time with the Boston Breakers, where she scored 11 goals in her rookie season, tying for second in the league. Her performance earned her recognition as one of the top players in the league. In 2014, she was traded to Seattle Reign FC, contributing to the team’s success as they finished first in the regular season and clinched the NWSL Shield. Leroux’s contributions were vital, as she scored five goals in 22 games. In 2015, she played a crucial role in the United States’ victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, participating in four matches and recording an assist in the opening game.
Notable Works and Milestones
Leroux’s signature works include her standout performances in the NWSL and her contributions to the U.S. national team. She was part of the Olympic gold medal-winning team in 2012 and the World Cup-winning squad in 2015. Her ability to score goals and make significant contributions on the field has solidified her status as a prominent figure in women’s soccer.
Sydney Rae Leroux Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Sydney Leroux has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances in soccer. Her contributions to her teams and the national squad have been recognized at various levels, highlighting her impact on the sport.
Sydney Rae Leroux Awards Won
Sydney Leroux has achieved significant recognition in her career, including being part of the Olympic gold medal-winning team in 2012 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning team in 2015. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication and skill as a professional soccer player.
Sydney Rae Leroux Family
Sydney Leroux is divorced from Major League Soccer player Dom Dwyer. The couple has two children: a son named Cassius Cruz Dwyer, born in 2016, and a daughter named Roux James Dwyer, born in 2019.
Personal Life
Leroux holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. She has been open about her experiences as an athlete and a mother, balancing her professional career with family life. Leroux is currently in a relationship with NBA agent Dave Spahn.