Taylor Malham Bio
Taylor Malham is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left back for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, she played college soccer for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Malham has established herself as a promising talent in women’s soccer, transitioning from a successful college career to the professional ranks with notable achievements along the way.
Early Life and Background
Taylor Malham was born on May 20, 1999, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She attended Union High School in Tulsa, where she excelled in both soccer and basketball. Malham played a significant role in Union’s back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2015 and 2016, contributing to the team’s success by scoring a goal in the 2016 OSSAA 6A state championship game. Her performance helped the team secure national recognition from TopDrawerSoccer.com during those seasons. In addition to her soccer achievements, she was a four-year starter on the basketball team, averaging 17.2 points per game and earning all-state honors in her senior year. Malham was recognized as a three-star soccer recruit and was named the Oklahoma state Gatorade Player of the Year in 2016–17. She also played club soccer for TSC Hurricanes and Fortuna Tulsa, participating in the under-17 national team camp in December 2015.
Path to Soccer
Malham began her collegiate soccer career at the University of Arkansas in 2017. She made an immediate impact by starting all 24 games in her freshman year, scoring her first collegiate goal just two days into the season. Over her college career, she consistently demonstrated her skills, finishing her freshman year with six goals and two assists, including three game-winning goals. In her sophomore year, she led the team with nine assists and scored six goals, further solidifying her role as a key player. Malham continued to excel, recording impressive statistics in her junior and senior years, including a hat trick in a single game and multiple game-winning goals. She completed her college career with a total of 106 starts, the most in program history, and was named first-team All-SEC in 2019 and 2021.
Taylor Malham Career
Early Career (2022)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Taylor Malham signed with Racing Louisville FC on January 21, 2021. She opted to complete her college season before joining the professional ranks. Malham made her professional debut on March 30, 2022, against the Chicago Red Stars, appearing in five matches during her time with Racing Louisville. Despite her efforts, the club waived her in February 2023 before the start of the new season.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
In March 2023, Taylor Malham was signed by the Chicago Stars FC after the team claimed her rights from the NWSL waiver wire. This marked a new chapter in her professional career, allowing her to continue developing her skills at a competitive level. Her transition to the Chicago Stars presents an opportunity for her to make a significant impact in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Taylor Malham has achieved notable milestones, including her impressive college statistics and her transition to professional soccer. Her consistent performance and dedication to the sport have set her apart as a player to watch in the NWSL.
Taylor Malham Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Taylor Malham has received recognition for her outstanding performances, including her selection as the Oklahoma state Gatorade Player of the Year and her multiple All-SEC team nominations.
Taylor Malham Awards Won
Taylor Malham has earned accolades during her soccer career, including being named first-team All-SEC in 2019 and 2021, showcasing her talent and contributions to her teams.
Taylor Malham Family
Taylor Malham has a sister named Makenzie, who is also a talented soccer player and was recognized as the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2020–21 season. Makenzie currently plays for the Arkansas Razorbacks, following in Taylor’s footsteps.
Personal Life
Taylor Malham maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on her soccer career. Details about her relationships or family life are not widely publicized, as she continues to develop her professional journey in the sport.