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Bethany Balcer
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

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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

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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

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Seattle Reign FC, 2019–2024

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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–

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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

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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

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Balcer plays as a striker. She is known for her scoring ability off headers.[14]

Personal life

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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

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Club

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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
  1. ^ Includes the NWSL Challenge Cup
  2. ^ Includes NWSL Playoffs
  3. ^ Seattle Reign FC was named Reign FC in 2019 and OL Reign from 2020–2023
  4. ^ Includes the NWSL Fall Series
  5. ^ Includes the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup

International

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As of match played November 26, 2021
National Team Year Apps Goals
United States 2021 1 0
Total 1 0

Honors

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bethany Balcer is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for of the (NWSL). Born on March 7, 1997, in , she stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and is renowned for her aerial prowess, having scored 13 headed goals in the NWSL since 2019, the most of any player in that span. Balcer has recorded 37 regular-season goals across her NWSL career as of the end of the 2025 season, and is one of only four players to have scored against every opponent in the league. Balcer's collegiate career at , an NAIA program, was exceptional; she became the first NAIA player ever to sign an NWSL contract after going undrafted in 2019. Over four seasons (2015–2018), she amassed 129 goals and 45 assists for 303 points, leading the Cougars to two NAIA national championships while earning four NAIA First Team All-American honors, three NAIA National Player of the Year awards, and two NAIA National Tournament MVP selections. She was inducted into Hall of Fame in 2024 for her athletic achievements. Balcer began her professional career with in 2019, where she won the NWSL Rookie of the Year award and earned two Second Team selections. She played a key role in the team's 2022 victory and their run to the 2023 NWSL Championship final. On August 19, 2024, Balcer was traded to in exchange for midfielder and $50,000 in allocation money, reuniting her with former teammate and current head coach Bev Yáñez. In her first full season with Louisville in 2025, she contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in limited substitute appearances while helping the team reach the NWSL playoffs for the first time in club history, though they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Internationally, Balcer has represented the women's national team, earning her first cap in a 2021 friendly against .

Early years

Early life

Bethany Balcer was born on March 7, 1997, in , a small town of approximately 7,000 residents situated halfway between Grand Rapids and . 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. 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 , but soccer became her primary focus, where she demonstrated exceptional talent as a forward. 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.

Collegiate career

Balcer attended , an NAIA institution in Spring Arbor, , from 2015 to 2018, where she majored in , initially planning to attend graduate school to become a physician's assistant. After completing her undergraduate degree, she earned a in Counseling from in 2024. 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. She earned NAIA First Team All-American honors each season from 2015 to 2018, and was named Female Athlete of the Year four consecutive times in recognition of her athletic dominance. 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. 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. 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.

Club career

Seattle Reign FC, 2019–2024

Bethany Balcer signed with 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. 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. 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. She maintained strong production in subsequent years, scoring 7 goals in 2022 as the Reign clinched the and advanced to the semifinals, 6 goals in 2023 en route to the match, and 5 goals in 15 appearances during the 2024 season before her departure. Over her six seasons with , 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. 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. Her time with the ended on August 19, 2024, when traded her to in exchange for midfielder and $50,000 in .

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. 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. Her contributions included one goal across limited appearances, helping Racing Louisville maintain competitiveness in the league standings. 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. 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. 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. 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. She also recorded one assist during the campaign, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. 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. Her presence helped the club achieve a record 10 wins and a seventh-place finish, marking a successful adaptation to her new environment.

International career

Youth international career

Balcer's standout collegiate performance, where she tallied 129 goals over four seasons at , drew the attention of U.S. youth national team selectors. She earned her first call-up to the United States U-23 Women's National Team in August 2019, shortly after joining as an undrafted rookie. This selection came for the 2019 Nordic Tournament in , where Balcer featured in matches, including starting against in a 2-0 group stage victory. The U-23 team went undefeated, securing the tournament title with a 1-1 draw against in the final match after earlier wins over and . 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. These experiences highlighted her aerial ability and forward play, aligning with the team's preparations for higher-level competition.

Senior international career

Balcer received her first call-up to the senior women's national soccer team (USWNT) in December 2019 for an identification training camp in , selected by head coach as part of a 24-player roster that included 10 uncapped players. The camp, held from December 9 to 14, aimed to evaluate emerging talent ahead of the , marking Balcer as the first player from an NAIA institution to earn a senior national team invitation. She was called up again for an October 2020 training camp in , from October 18 to 28, joining 26 other players under Andonovski's direction during the NWSL Fall Series window. This non-match camp focused on development and preparation for international fixtures postponed by the . Balcer's selection highlighted her growing prominence in the NWSL, where she had established herself as a key forward for OL Reign FC. Balcer earned her senior international debut on November 26, 2021, in a friendly match against in , entering as a substitute in the 78th minute during a 3-0 victory for the USWNT. Goals from , , and Lindsey Horan secured the win, with Balcer's appearance alongside fellow debutants and contributing to a youth-infused roster as Andonovski tested players for the cycle. This remains her only senior cap, with no further match appearances recorded through November 2025. Overall, Balcer has accumulated one cap and zero goals for the senior USWNT.

Career aspects

Style of play

Bethany Balcer primarily plays as a striker or forward in the (NWSL), leveraging her 5'9" frame for exceptional aerial prowess that has defined much of her scoring output. She has recorded 13 headed goals since 2019, the most by any player in over the past five years, often capitalizing on crosses and set pieces with precise timing and leap. 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. Balcer's playing strengths extend beyond the air, encompassing sharp finishing ability and versatility in the , where she has scored against every NWSL team, demonstrating adaptability across matchups. 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. 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. 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. Over her career, she has evolved from relying on raw speed as a —evident in her early opportunistic runs—to a more seasoned forward emphasizing intelligent positioning and vision in the box. This development has made her a more complete attacker, balancing target-man duties with deeper drops to support build-up play. 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.

Personal life

Balcer was born and raised in , a small town that instilled in her a strong and family support from an early age. She earned a in from , where she initially considered majors in before settling on her degree with aspirations to become a physician's assistant. Following her undergraduate studies, Balcer pursued and completed a in counseling from the same institution, leveraging her to deepen her commitment to support. A devout Christian, Balcer draws significant strength from her faith, which she credits for fostering resilience and a mindset of surrender during personal challenges. 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 . Balcer has become a prominent advocate for in sports, launching her brand " Bring Your Best" in 2024 to address issues such as and performance anxiety, and sharing her journey of overcoming anxiety through journaling and faith-based practices. In 2025, Balcer took a five-month hiatus from soccer starting in March to prioritize her , announcing that she had "lost my joy" in the sport and needed time for self-reflection and recovery. She returned in August 2025, exemplifying her advocacy for and highlighting the importance of stepping away to rediscover passion and well-being in professional athletics.

Statistics and achievements

Club statistics

Bethany Balcer's club career statistics in the (NWSL) encompass her performances across regular season matches for and . The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of her appearances, starts, goals, assists, and minutes played in the NWSL regular season.
SeasonClubMatches PlayedStartsGoalsAssistsMinutes
2019Seattle Reign FC2419621,695
2021Seattle Reign FC2313901,185
2022Seattle Reign FC1916711,357
2023Seattle Reign FC2219611,404
2024Seattle Reign FC1513501,082
2024Racing Louisville FC101031715
2025Racing Louisville FC1101146
As of November 12, 2025, Balcer has accumulated 37 goals and 6 assists in 124 appearances (90 starts), totaling 7,484 minutes played, with 10 yellow cards received. The 2025 season statistics reflect a partial campaign, as Balcer took a hiatus from March to July before returning to play.

International statistics

Bethany Balcer has had but notable involvement with the women's national soccer teams at the and senior levels. Her international experience is confined to the U-23 squad, where she earned two caps during the 2019 Nordic Tournament in . At the senior level, she has made one appearance for the USWNT.
LevelMatchesGoalsKey Events
U-23202019 Nordic Tournament: Started and played 90 minutes vs. (September 2, draw 1-1); played 60 minutes vs. (August 28, win 2-0), substituted off at the 61st minute. Did not feature vs. (August 30, win 1-0).
Senior10November 26, 2021: Subbed into friendly vs. (win 3-0).
In total, Balcer has three international appearances and zero goals across her youth and senior career. Her call-ups have been linked to impressive form with OL Reign in the NWSL.

Collegiate Honors

During her time at , Bethany Balcer was named the NAIA National Player of the Year three times, in 2015, 2016, and 2017, becoming the first freshman to earn the award in its history. She also helped lead the Cougars to two NAIA National Championships in 2016 and 2017. Additionally, Balcer earned four NAIA First Team All-American selections during her collegiate career.

Professional Honors

In her debut NWSL season with , Balcer was awarded the 2019 NWSL Rookie of the Year, becoming the first player from an NAIA background to win the honor and the only Reign player to receive it. With the Reign, she contributed to the team's 2022 victory, recognizing the best regular-season record.

International Honors

Balcer has earned caps with the senior women's national team since 2021, but has not received major senior international honors as of 2025. No significant youth international tournament medals or recognitions are recorded in her career.

Other Honors

In 2024, Balcer was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing her as the most decorated athlete in the program's history.

References

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