Jaedyn Shaw: Rising Star in Women’s Soccer Overcomes Obstacles to Success

Before making a name for herself in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with the San Diego Wave and earning a call-up to the U.S. women’s national team, Jaedyn Shaw relied on her family’s unwavering support. The 18-year-old Texas native acknowledges the sacrifices her parents made to help her pursue her soccer dreams. Despite financial constraints and living in a one-bedroom apartment, Shaw’s family ensured she had the resources she needed to play the game she loves.

Youth soccer in the United States is known to be expensive, with households spending an average of $1,188 per soccer season, more than any other sport like basketball, baseball, or American football, according to a 2022 survey from Project Play. Shaw’s family faced financial challenges but remained committed to supporting her ambitions. She credits her family’s sacrifices with her success, stating, “They sacrificed absolutely everything for me.”

The investment made by Shaw’s family, covering tournament fees, gear, travel expenses, player registration, and more, has undoubtedly paid off. By the age of 17, Shaw had signed a professional contract with the San Diego Wave and even scored in her debut for the NWSL team last summer. At 18, she extended her contract with the Wave until 2026 and established herself as a key player for the club.

Shaw’s exceptional performance earned her recognition as the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2022, making her the first-ever recipient from the NWSL. She also received her first call-up to the senior U.S. women’s national team last month. As the regular season ended, Shaw finished with the most goals scored by a teenager in NWSL history, contributing to the Wave’s first-ever NWSL Shield.

Currently celebrating her 19th birthday, Shaw has her sights set on another potential call-up for the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies in October. Furthermore, in November, she will have the opportunity to compete for the NWSL title in the playoffs. Despite the rapid rise to success, Shaw remains level-headed and grateful for every moment in the early stages of her career, especially after experiencing a serious setback not too long ago.

At the age of 16, Shaw tore her ACL in a freak accident during a practice session, causing her to be sidelined for seven-and-a-half months. During her recovery, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many facilities to close, Shaw had to rely on her own dedication and the support of her family. Her mother established a strict exercise schedule, ensuring Shaw could continue her rehabilitation at home.

The injury, which initially seemed like a low point in her development, ultimately became a turning point. Shaw used the setback as motivation to be grateful for what she had and to make the most of every opportunity. Within months of returning to play, she had the chance to train with the Washington Spirit, an NWSL team, in 2022. Through the league’s “discovery process,” Shaw was signed by the San Diego Wave and has since become a rising star.

Shaw’s early introduction to futsal, a variation of soccer played indoors, also played a significant role in her development. Playing strictly futsal until the age of 12 allowed her to gain technical skills and a different perspective on the game. Through connections from her futsal coaches, Shaw had unforgettable experiences training with women’s clubs in Barcelona and Brazil, which further shaped her abilities on the field.

One of Shaw’s notable strengths is her ability to understand time and space in the game. She possesses a remarkable capability to find spaces between opponents and thinks positively when receiving the ball. Comfortable in tight situations, she can get on the ball regardless of the players around her.

Adapting to different positions in the midfield and up front, Shaw has already made a significant impact for the San Diego Wave, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in all competitions since her debut in 2022. With her ability to exploit space, pick out passes, and create opportunities, Shaw has impressed her coach, Casey Stoney, who envisions her becoming one of the best players in the world.

Despite her accomplishments, Shaw remains focused on continuous development and improvement. While she acknowledges her strengths in delivering the final ball and picking out passes, she is also aware of areas that require further progress. Shaw understands the importance of not rushing her development and continues to work on her game with the guidance of her coaches and support system.

As she navigates her second professional season and first full season with the San Diego Wave, Shaw understands the value of managing her minutes wisely. While her goal is to become a prominent player, Shaw recognizes that it is essential to understand her role and contribute to the team’s success, even if it means playing for shorter periods or fulfilling different positions on the field.

Jaedyn Shaw’s journey from a one-bedroom apartment to emerging as a rising star in women’s soccer exemplifies the strength, determination, and talent she possesses. With her family’s support and her own perseverance, Shaw has overcome obstacles, including a significant injury, to carve out a promising career. As she continues to develop on and off the field, soccer fans can look forward to witnessing Shaw’s continued growth and impact on the game.