The 2024 W League season kicks off in just over one week, and many new and familiar faces will take the pitch this May. Some players are returning for a third season, while others will don a new crest for their first year. 

Here’s a look at 12 players you’ll want to be on the lookout for this season: 

Bailey Korhorn – Kalamazoo FC 

After narrowly missing out on a 2023 postseason bid, Kalamazoo is looking for redemption through the help of striker Bailey Korhorn.  The Great Lakes Division Player of the Year scored nine goals and added two assists in ten matches last season for Kalamazoo. 

Ellie Breech – Lancaster Inferno 

The University of Pittsburgh goalkeeper will be one to keep an eye on during Lancaster Inferno’s inaugural season in the Mid Atlantic Division. Breech led Pittsburgh to a program-record 17 wins and to an appearance in the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament in 2023. 

Isabella Gaetino – Flint City AFC 

Flint City made its first postseason appearance in 2023 thanks to the help of star midfielder Bella Gaetino. After starting in all 12 matches and scoring six goals last season, Gaetino will return to Flint City before starting her collegiate career at the University of North Carolina this fall. 

Julie Mackin – Greenville Liberty SC

Mackin has become a keystone in Greenville’s lineup, as the forward has started in all 25 of her matches played with the club over the past two seasons. The former Clemson Tiger and Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year is returning for another campaign with the Liberty following its realignment into the South Central Division. 

Kameron Simmonds – Richmond Ivy SC 

One of Richmond Ivy’s first players in club history, Kameron Simmonds, will be one to watch this W League season. The forward has made multiple appearances with Jamaica’s youth and senior national teams, including this past summer at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Simmonds played two seasons at Tennessee, but she transferred and will be joining NCAA champions Florida State this fall. 

Kennedy Berschel – Florida Elite Soccer Academy 

Under Berschel’s captainship, Chicago City SC fought toward an 8-3-1 record and a wild-card playoff berth last season. The midfielder, who tallied two goals and five assists in 2023, is taking her talents down to Florida into a competitive Southeast Division. 

Kerly Theus – Miami AC 

After spending last summer in Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the Haitian National Team, the goalkeeper is making her return to the W League. Theus’ shot-stopping abilities in the World Cup Qualifiers helped Haiti earn their first tournament appearance. She will be taking those skills to Miami AC for her first season with the club. 

Kylee Simmons – Kings Hammer FC

Kings Hammer added many new additions to the roster for the 2024 season, including Mizzou standout Kylee Simmons. The forward led the SEC in points (24) and goals (11) last year and ranked 18th in the country in shot accuracy (.630). 

Leah Klenke – AHFC Royals 

As AHFC Royals make their W League debut this season, they will be relying on defender/midfielder Leah Klenke. While recently called up to the U-20 USWNT February training camp, Klenke is also a starter for Notre Dame, where her 10 assists last season ranked fourth in the ACC. 

Maya Hansen – Minnesota Aurora FC

Hansen was an offensive powerhouse for Minnesota Aurora last season, setting the club’s regular season scoring record with 12 goals. This season will be Hansen’s third with Aurora, where she is the all-time points leader with 38 points. The Minnesota-native recently finished her career at South Dakota State University, earning numerous conference honors and setting program records in goals (44) and points (107). 

Nia Christopher – Eagle FC 

Bermuda National Team forward Nia Christopher dominated up top last season, scoring 11 goals and adding three assists to help take Eagle FC to the playoff semifinals. Christopher is rejoining the club this season after finishing an outstanding career at Towson University, where she notched multiple accolades including program all-time leading scorer with 41 goals. 

Sam Tran – Oakland Soul 

Stanford alum Sam Tran was a standout for Oakland last year, leading the club to a wild-card playoff berth in its inaugural season. The captain scored six goals in 2023, including earning the first hat trick in Oakland’s history. 

*Players included are those that have been announced by their clubs as of 4/26/2024.