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Bethany Balcer
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Bethany Catherine Balcer (born March 7, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Racing Louisville FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
Key Information
Balcer played collegiate soccer at Spring Arbor University, where she was a two-time NAIA national champion, three-time NAIA national player of the year, four-time first-team All-American, and the school's leading scorer.[2] She went undrafted after college before signing with Reign FC (later Seattle Reign FC) on a supplemental contract, becoming the first NAIA player in the NWSL. During six seasons with the Reign, she was named the NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2019 and won the NWSL Shield in 2022.
Early life
[edit]Balcer grew up in Hudsonville, Michigan and attended Unity Christian High School, where she played varsity soccer and basketball.[3] She is the fourth of five children.[citation needed]
Collegiate career
[edit]Balcer attended Spring Arbor University from 2015 to 2019, where she was a four-year starter on its varsity soccer team.[4] The Cougars advanced to the NAIA Final Four every year and won two national titles with Balcer on the team.[5]
While in college, Balcer played as an amateur with senior teams over the summer. She led Grand Rapids FC to a United Women's Soccer championship in 2017 – scoring hat-tricks in five straight matches – and played with Seattle Sounders Women in the Women's Premier Soccer League the following year winning the WPSL championship.[6]
Club career
[edit]Seattle Reign FC, 2019–2024
[edit]Balcer was invited to the Reign FC preseason training camp prior to the 2019 NWSL season[2] and subsequently earned a contract on the club's supplemental roster.[7] She is the first NAIA player to sign with an NWSL club[8] and only the third NWSL player to previously play collegiately in the United States and finish their collegiate career with a non-NCAA D-I institution.[9] Balcer made her NWSL debut coming on as an 86th-minute substitute at the Houston Dash on April 14, 2019.[10] A week later, she made her first start in Reign's home-opener at Cheney Stadium. Curling a shot from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner of the goal, she scored her first-ever pro goal in the 21st minute against Orlando Pride in a 1–1 tie. It was also the first home goal scored in the Reign's first season in Tacoma, Washington.[11] She scored her second goal in her second home start, sixth appearance on May 27, 2019, in a 2–1 win against the defending champions North Carolina Courage. Her 13th-minute header from the edge of the box crashed off the underside of the bar to give her side an early lead. Her third goal occurred in the next game in her third home start against the Houston Dash. On a breakaway she picked up a deflected through ball from Darian Jenkins and slotted right-footed past the keeper for the first goal of the game in the 32nd minute, Houston tied in the 90th to split the points.[12] At the end of the season, she was awarded the 2019 Rookie of the Year Award.[13]
Balcer established herself as one of the Reign's leading players and was the club's top scorer every season she spent there.[14][15] She helped lead the Reign to top of the standings for the 2022 season, winning the NWSL Shield.[14] She scored 33 goals during her tenure with the Reign, the third-highest total in the NWSL from 2019 to mid-2024.[16]
Racing Louisville FC, 2024–
[edit]On August 19, 2024, Balcer was traded to Racing Louisville FC in exchange for Jaelin Howell and $50,000 in allocation money.[17] She made her Louisville debut five days later, starting in a match against the Chicago Red Stars.[18] She scored her first goal with the club in a comeback victory against Angel City FC on September 14, 2024.[19]
International career
[edit]Balcer received her first call-up to the United States women's national soccer team in December 2019.[20] She made her international debut on November 26, 2021, against Australia.[21][22] She was previously a member of the United States women's national under-23 soccer team.[23]
Style of play
[edit]Personal life
[edit]Balcer is a Christian.[24] Her brother Nicholas is a soccer referee[25] working for PRO,[26] NCAA.[27] and MLS. Her sister Shannon is the head woman's soccer coach at Spring Arbor University (2024).[28]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of February 21, 2025
| Club | Season | League | Cup[a] | Playoffs[b] | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Seattle Reign FC[c] | 2019 | NWSL | 25 | 6 | — | 1 | 0 | — | 25 | 6 | ||
| 2020 | — | 5 | 1 | — | 4[d] | 2 | 9 | 3 | ||||
| 2021 | 24 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 27 | 9 | |||
| 2022 | 20 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 27 | 9 | |||
| 2023 | 25 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | 29 | 7 | |||
| 2024 | 15 | 5 | — | — | 3[e] | 0 | 18 | 5 | ||||
| Total | 109 | 33 | 19 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 135 | 39 | ||
| Racing Louisville FC | 2024 | NWSL | 10 | 3 | — | — | — | 10 | 3 | |||
| Career total | 119 | 36 | 19 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 145 | 42 | ||
- ^ Includes the NWSL Challenge Cup
- ^ Includes NWSL Playoffs
- ^ Seattle Reign FC was named Reign FC in 2019 and OL Reign from 2020–2023
- ^ Includes the NWSL Fall Series
- ^ Includes the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup
International
[edit]- As of match played November 26, 2021
| National Team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2021 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
Honors
[edit]OL Reign
Individual
- NWSL Rookie of the Year: 2019[31]
- NWSL Players' Rookie of the Year: 2019[31]
- NWSL Second XI: 2019[32]
- NWSL Player of the Week: 2021: Weeks 12,[33] 16[34]
References
[edit]- ^ "National team roster – 2022 Concacaf W Championship: USA" (PDF). CONCACAF. June 8, 2022. p. 15. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
- ^ a b "Balcer Joins Reign FC for Preseason Camp". Spring Arbor Cougars. March 7, 2019. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
- ^ "Balcer to Bring Attacking Skills to Lady Cougars in 2015". Spring Arbor Cougars. January 24, 2014. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
- ^ "Bethany Balcer". Spring Arbor Cougars. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
- ^ "Bethany Balcer - 2018 - Women's Soccer". Spring Arbor University. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ "Balcer seizing opportunity with Seattle Sounders Women". Spring Arbor Cougars. June 12, 2018. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
- ^ "Reign FC Announce Signing of Forward Bethany Balcer". Reign FC. April 13, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
- ^ "Balcer signs professional contract with NWSL's Reign FC". Spring Arbor Cougars. April 14, 2019. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
- ^ Henderson, Chris. "Pretty sure Francis Marion was still DI when Salem was there. Didn't even consider figuring in Canadian colleges (Robinson). Forgot all about Cordner and Pires". Twitter. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
- ^ Cristobal, Jacob (April 14, 2019). "Reign FC open season with a draw at Houston Dash". Sounder at Heart. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
- ^ VanDyke, Josh (April 22, 2019). "Bethany Balcer steps in for Olympian and scores first goal with Reign FC". MLive.com. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
- ^ "Reign FC Concedes Late Equalizer in Draw With Houston Dash". Seattle Reign FC. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ NWSL (October 29, 2019). "Reign FC forward Bethany Balcer named 2019 NWSL Rookie of the Year | National Women's Soccer League Official Site". NWSL. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ a b c Watkins, Claire (June 28, 2023). "How Bethany Balcer became the NWSL's most unorthodox star". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ "Seattle Reign FC Stats and History". FBref. Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ Greever, Tyler (August 20, 2024). "Racing Louisville FC pays a captain's price in an attempt to make a needed playoff push". WDRB. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Seattle Reign FC Acquires Midfielder Jaelin Howell and Allocation Money in Trade with Racing Louisville FC". Seattle Reign FC. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ "Team News: Balcer set to start in debut". Racing Louisville FC. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ "Recap: Racing rallies for vital win". Racing Louisville FC. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ "ANDONOVSKI NAMES 24-PLAYER ROSTER FOR U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM DECEMBER IDENTIFICATION TRAINING CAMP IN FLORIDA". US Soccer. November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
- ^ "Australia vs United States". US Soccer. November 26, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
- ^ "Australia vs USWNT Match Report". US Soccer. November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
- ^ VanDyke, Josh (August 21, 2019). "Bethany Balcer named to U.S. U-23 Women's National Team". MLive.com. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
- ^ Pentz, Matt (June 30, 2020). "Bethany Balcer's NWSL journey of faith, acceptance and seizing opportunities". The Athletic. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ Padilla, Lenny (December 6, 2017). "Bethany Balcer earns National Soccer Player of the Year for second time". mLive. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ "PRO2 Assistant Referees". PRO Referees. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ "Soccer Box Score (Final) 2023 NCAA Women's College Cup Clemson vs. Florida St" (PDF). Clemson Tigers. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ "Andringa takes full reins of SAU women's soccer program". January 22, 2024.
- ^ Azzi, Alex (October 2, 2022). "OL Reign wins 2022 NWSL Shield, Gotham denies Thorns". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
- ^ "OL Reign Claim 2022 Women's Cup Title with 2–1 Win over Louisville". King 5. August 20, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
- ^ a b Yoesting, Travis (September 22, 2021). "Bethany's Burritos: Balcer Details Her Insulting Reward For Winning 2019 NWSL Rookie Of The Year". The 18. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ "Balcer, Barnes, and Rapinoe Named to NWSL Second XI". OL Reign. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ "Budweiser Player of the Week | Bethany Balcer, OL Reign, Week 12". National Women's Soccer League. August 12, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Bethany Balcer Named NWSL Player of the Week". Just Women's Sports. August 13, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
External links
[edit]- Bethany Balcer at the National Women's Soccer League
- Bethany Balcer at Seattle Reign FC
- Bethany Balcer at Spring Arbor Cougars (archived)
- Bethany Balcer at Soccerway.com
- Bethany Balcer at FBref.com
- Bethany Balcer at kicker (in German)
- Bethany Balcer at National Women's Soccer League
Bethany Balcer
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Early life
Bethany Balcer was born on March 7, 1997, in Hudsonville, Michigan, a small town of approximately 7,000 residents situated halfway between Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan.[9] She grew up in a supportive household that encouraged her athletic interests, with parents Kevin and Carol Balcer attending her games and fostering a family environment centered on sports; her siblings, including older sister Shannon and brothers Nick and Christian, contributed to a household tradition of soccer involvement.[10][11] Balcer developed an early passion for soccer, beginning play at a young age through local youth programs in Hudsonville before advancing to varsity level. At Unity Christian High School, she also participated in basketball, but soccer became her primary focus, where she demonstrated exceptional talent as a forward.[11] During her high school career, Balcer led the Unity Christian Crusaders to back-to-back Michigan High School Athletic Association Division II state championships, including a 2014 title win over Detroit Country Day. In her senior year of 2015, she recorded 40 goals and 16 assists, earning recognition as the MLive Grand Rapids Press Female Soccer Player of the Year and selection to the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association Dream Team as one of 11 statewide honorees.[12]Collegiate career
Balcer attended Spring Arbor University, an NAIA institution in Spring Arbor, Michigan, from 2015 to 2018, where she majored in biology, initially planning to attend graduate school to become a physician's assistant. After completing her undergraduate degree, she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Spring Arbor University in 2024.[9][13][14][15][16] Over her four-year collegiate career, Balcer amassed 129 goals and 45 assists in 98 appearances, setting school records and establishing herself as one of the most prolific scorers in NAIA women's soccer history.[17][18] She earned NAIA First Team All-American honors each season from 2015 to 2018, and was named Crossroads League Female Athlete of the Year four consecutive times in recognition of her athletic dominance.[4] Balcer became the first player in NAIA history to win the National Player of the Year award three times, achieving the honor as a freshman in 2015, in 2017, and again in 2018.[3][19][20][21] Balcer played a pivotal role in Spring Arbor's team successes, helping the Cougars secure NAIA national championships in 2015 and 2017, along with semifinal appearances in the other two years.[22][23] Following her senior season, she went undrafted in the 2019 NWSL College Draft but earned an invitation to Seattle Reign FC's preseason tryout, where her performances led to a professional contract as the first NAIA player to sign with an NWSL club.[3][24]Club career
Seattle Reign FC, 2019–2024
Bethany Balcer signed with Seattle Reign FC on April 13, 2019, as an undrafted rookie following an open tryout, becoming the first player from an NAIA institution to secure an NWSL contract.[25][26] She quickly made an impact, scoring 6 goals in 18 regular-season appearances during her debut 2019 campaign, leading all Reign players in goals and earning the NWSL Rookie of the Year award as the first recipient from the club.[27] Balcer's tenure with the Reign featured consistent scoring output, including a standout 2021 season where she netted 9 goals in 20 regular-season matches, positioning her as a contender for the NWSL Golden Boot while helping the team secure a playoff spot.[28] She maintained strong production in subsequent years, scoring 7 goals in 2022 as the Reign clinched the NWSL Shield and advanced to the semifinals, 6 goals in 2023 en route to the NWSL Championship match, and 5 goals in 15 appearances during the 2024 season before her departure.[2] Over her six seasons with Seattle, Balcer tallied 33 regular-season goals, the third-most in club history, and contributed to multiple playoff runs, including an assist in the 2023 final.[29] The forward's reliability led to several contract extensions, including a three-year deal in February 2020, another multi-year agreement in January 2022, and a renewal through 2025 announced on January 11, 2024.[30][31][26] Her time with the Reign ended on August 19, 2024, when Seattle traded her to Racing Louisville FC in exchange for midfielder Jaelin Howell and $50,000 in allocation money.Racing Louisville FC, 2024–
On August 19, 2024, Racing Louisville FC acquired forward Bethany Balcer from Seattle Reign FC in exchange for midfielder Jaelin Howell and $50,000 in allocation money, bolstering the team's attacking options with her proven scoring prowess from Seattle.[32][33] Joining late in the 2024 NWSL season, Balcer quickly adapted, scoring her first goal for the club on September 14 in a 2-1 comeback victory over Angel City FC, where she netted the equalizer in the first half.[34] Her contributions included one goal across limited appearances, helping Racing Louisville maintain competitiveness in the league standings.[6] In the 2025 season, Balcer featured in early matches before announcing on March 19 that she was taking an indefinite break from soccer due to a loss of joy in the sport and to prioritize her mental health.[35] The five-month hiatus allowed her time for personal reflection, after which she returned to the pitch as a substitute on July 14 against the Kansas City Current.[36] Upon her return, Balcer resumed a rotational role in Racing Louisville's forward line, appearing in 11 matches for a total of 40 minutes while adapting to the team's dynamics following her established tenure in Seattle.[37] Balcer's impact post-return included key scoring moments against NWSL opponents, such as her first goal of the 2025 season—a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer on October 10 against the Chicago Stars FC, securing a vital 1-1 draw that aided Racing Louisville's push for playoffs.[38] She also recorded one assist during the campaign, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.[6] As of November 2025, Balcer remained an active roster member, playing in Racing Louisville's historic first NWSL playoff appearance, where the team reached the quarterfinals before a shootout loss to the Washington Spirit on November 8; she successfully converted her penalty kick in the shootout.[7][39] Her presence helped the club achieve a record 10 wins and a seventh-place finish, marking a successful adaptation to her new environment.[40]International career
Youth international career
Balcer's standout collegiate performance, where she tallied 129 goals over four seasons at Spring Arbor University, drew the attention of U.S. youth national team selectors.[17] She earned her first call-up to the United States U-23 Women's National Team in August 2019, shortly after joining Seattle Reign FC as an undrafted rookie.[41] This selection came for the 2019 Nordic Tournament in England, where Balcer featured in matches, including starting against Norway in a 2-0 group stage victory.[42] The U-23 team went undefeated, securing the tournament title with a 1-1 draw against Sweden in the final match after earlier wins over Norway and England.[43] Balcer made several appearances with the U-23 team across training camps and friendlies, gaining valuable international exposure and contributing to the developmental pathway toward senior consideration.[4] These experiences highlighted her aerial ability and forward play, aligning with the team's preparations for higher-level competition.[44]Senior international career
Balcer received her first call-up to the senior United States women's national soccer team (USWNT) in December 2019 for an identification training camp in Bradenton, Florida, selected by head coach Vlatko Andonovski as part of a 24-player roster that included 10 uncapped players.[45] The camp, held from December 9 to 14, aimed to evaluate emerging talent ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics, marking Balcer as the first player from an NAIA institution to earn a senior national team invitation.[46] She was called up again for an October 2020 training camp in Commerce City, Colorado, from October 18 to 28, joining 26 other players under Andonovski's direction during the NWSL Fall Series window.[47] This non-match camp focused on development and preparation for international fixtures postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Balcer's selection highlighted her growing prominence in the NWSL, where she had established herself as a key forward for OL Reign FC.[48] Balcer earned her senior international debut on November 26, 2021, in a friendly match against Australia in Sydney, entering as a substitute in the 78th minute during a 3-0 victory for the USWNT.[8] Goals from Ashley Hatch, Rose Lavelle, and Lindsey Horan secured the win, with Balcer's appearance alongside fellow debutants Morgan Weaver and Ashley Sanchez contributing to a youth-infused roster as Andonovski tested players for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup cycle.[49] This remains her only senior cap, with no further match appearances recorded through November 2025.[50] Overall, Balcer has accumulated one cap and zero goals for the senior USWNT.[50]Career aspects
Style of play
Bethany Balcer primarily plays as a striker or forward in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), leveraging her 5'9" frame for exceptional aerial prowess that has defined much of her scoring output.[1] She has recorded 13 headed goals since 2019, the most by any player in the league over the past five years, often capitalizing on crosses and set pieces with precise timing and leap.[26] This physicality allows her to dominate duels in the air, winning approximately 65% of them as of the 2022 NWSL season through a combination of height advantage and excellent positioning.[51] Balcer's playing strengths extend beyond the air, encompassing sharp finishing ability and versatility in the penalty area, where she has scored against every NWSL team, demonstrating adaptability across matchups.[1] Her work rate is notable, with high energy levels evident in constant involvement during attacking phases and leading her team's pressing structures, averaging around 1.2 tackles per game as of the 2022 NWSL season.[51] She excels in linking play as a modern target forward, holding up the ball effectively with her back to goal to facilitate connections with midfielders and enable third-man runs from teammates.[51] Tactically, Balcer fits seamlessly into direct attacking systems and set-piece routines, where her hold-up play and poaching instincts create space and scoring opportunities for others.[51] Over her career, she has evolved from relying on raw speed as a rookie—evident in her early opportunistic runs—to a more seasoned forward emphasizing intelligent positioning and vision in the box.[9] This development has made her a more complete attacker, balancing target-man duties with deeper drops to support build-up play.[51] Balcer's unorthodox journey from the NAIA level, where she became the first player from that division to sign an NWSL contract, has shaped her gritty, opportunistic style that thrives on perseverance and seizing limited chances. This background fosters a resilient approach, allowing her to adapt and contribute dynamically in various tactical setups despite starting from an underdog position.[51]Personal life
Balcer was born and raised in Hudsonville, Michigan, a small town that instilled in her a strong sense of community and family support from an early age.[9] She earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Spring Arbor University, where she initially considered majors in education before settling on her degree with aspirations to become a physician's assistant.[9] Following her undergraduate studies, Balcer pursued and completed a Master of Arts in counseling from the same institution, leveraging her education to deepen her commitment to mental health support.[16][52] A devout Christian, Balcer draws significant strength from her faith, which she credits for fostering resilience and a mindset of surrender during personal challenges.[9][53] She emphasizes values of love, acceptance, and understanding across differences, actively engaging in dialogues to build relationships despite varying beliefs on topics like race and sexuality, while challenging stereotypes associated with Christianity.[9] Balcer has become a prominent advocate for mental health in sports, launching her brand "BB8 Bring Your Best" in 2024 to address issues such as body image and performance anxiety, and sharing her journey of overcoming anxiety through journaling and faith-based practices.[54][55][53] In 2025, Balcer took a five-month hiatus from soccer starting in March to prioritize her mental health, announcing that she had "lost my joy" in the sport and needed time for self-reflection and recovery.[35][56][57] She returned in August 2025, exemplifying her advocacy for self-care and highlighting the importance of stepping away to rediscover passion and well-being in professional athletics.[16][58][36]Statistics and achievements
Club statistics
Bethany Balcer's club career statistics in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) encompass her performances across regular season matches for Seattle Reign FC and Racing Louisville FC. The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of her appearances, starts, goals, assists, and minutes played in the NWSL regular season.[2]| Season | Club | Matches Played | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Seattle Reign FC | 24 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 1,695 |
| 2021 | Seattle Reign FC | 23 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 1,185 |
| 2022 | Seattle Reign FC | 19 | 16 | 7 | 1 | 1,357 |
| 2023 | Seattle Reign FC | 22 | 19 | 6 | 1 | 1,404 |
| 2024 | Seattle Reign FC | 15 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 1,082 |
| 2024 | Racing Louisville FC | 10 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 715 |
| 2025 | Racing Louisville FC | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 46 |
International statistics
Bethany Balcer has had limited but notable involvement with the United States women's national soccer teams at the youth and senior levels. Her youth international experience is confined to the U-23 squad, where she earned two caps during the 2019 Nordic Tournament in England. At the senior level, she has made one appearance for the USWNT.| Level | Matches | Goals | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-23 | 2 | 0 | 2019 Nordic Tournament: Started and played 90 minutes vs. Sweden (September 2, draw 1-1); played 60 minutes vs. Norway (August 28, win 2-0), substituted off at the 61st minute. Did not feature vs. England (August 30, win 1-0). |
| Senior | 1 | 0 | November 26, 2021: Subbed into friendly vs. Australia (win 3-0). |
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