Cece Kizer

Cecelia "Cece" Kizer (born August 7, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Utah Royals FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).^[1][2] Kizer, a native of Overland Park, Kansas, had a distinguished college career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where she started all 83 appearances over four seasons, scoring a program-record 48 goals and accumulating 119 points, also a school record.^[3] She ranks ninth in Southeastern Conference (SEC) history for career goals and tied for eighth in points.^[4] Selected 13th overall in the 2019 NWSL College Draft by the Houston Dash, Kizer made her professional debut that year, appearing in 16 matches during her rookie regular season and six matches in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, for a total of 22 NWSL appearances before her loan.^[3] Throughout her NWSL career, Kizer has played for five teams, including stints with the Houston Dash (2019, 2024), Racing Louisville FC (2021–2022), Kansas City Current (2022–2023), and NJ/NY Gotham FC (late 2024).^[2] A notable highlight came in 2021 with Racing Louisville, when she scored the franchise's first-ever goal in its inaugural match.^[3] She also spent the fall of 2020 on loan with Kolbotn IL in Norway's Toppserien, where she netted three goals.^[3] She has represented the United States at the youth and U-23 levels. In April 2025, Kizer signed a contract with Utah Royals FC through the 2026 season, marking her return to the league after a brief period with Gotham.^[5] Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and right-footed, she is known for her versatility and contributions as an attacker across multiple clubs.^[2]

Early life

Upbringing in Kansas

Cecelia Anne Kizer was born on August 7, 1997, in Overland Park, Kansas.^[6] She is the daughter of John and Kelly Kizer, growing up in a large, tight-knit family in the Kansas City metropolitan area, where she values being a positive role model for her younger siblings.^[4][7] Kizer attended Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, completing her pre-collegiate education there.^[4]

Youth soccer career

Kizer attended Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, where she played soccer from 2013 to 2015. During her high school career, she demonstrated remarkable versatility, competing as a midfielder, defender, and goalkeeper. She helped lead the Huskies to three consecutive Kansas Class 6A State Championship appearances in 2013, 2014, and 2015.^[4][8] Over her three seasons, Kizer amassed 63 goals and 41 assists, totaling 167 points and setting school records for goals, assists, and points in both single seasons and her career. As a senior in 2015, she was named the Kansas 6A Offensive Player of the Year, earning first-team all-state and all-KC Metro honors, which underscored her offensive prowess and overall impact on the team.^[4][9] In club soccer, Kizer played for Sporting Blue Valley in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), a premier youth development program. Her performances in this competitive environment, including participation on the club's top teams, honed her skills and contributed to her rising profile among college recruiters.^[4][10] Kizer's standout youth achievements drew attention from Division I programs, leading to her recruitment by the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where she committed to join the Rebels for the 2015 season; notably, Ole Miss initially targeted her for her defensive capabilities before transitioning her to forward and midfield roles.^[4][11]

College career

Seasons at Ole Miss (2015–2017)

Cece Kizer's freshman season at the University of Mississippi in 2015 marked a standout debut in Southeastern Conference (SEC) soccer, where she quickly established herself as a prolific scorer and earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors.^[12] She recorded 14 goals, including five in league play and seven game-winning tallies that ranked third nationally, while also securing a spot on the All-SEC First Team.^[13][4] Kizer's contributions were pivotal in key SEC road matches, such as scoring three goals across victories at Tennessee and Texas A&M, helping propel Ole Miss to a strong regular-season finish and an NCAA Tournament appearance.^[14] As a sophomore in 2016, Kizer continued her ascent, starting all 18 games and building on her offensive prowess with five goals and six assists for 16 points, while ranking fourth in the SEC with 69 shots.^[15] She earned All-SEC First Team recognition again, one of only three Rebels to achieve multiple first-team selections at that point in program history.^[4] Notable performances included scoring the game-tying goal in a 1-1 draw at Mississippi State to retain the Magnolia Cup and contributing to high-scoring wins, such as an assist in a dominant 8-0 victory over Memphis, underscoring her growing role in Ole Miss's attacking transitions.^[4][16] Kizer's junior year in 2017 represented a breakout, as she led the SEC with 16 goals and 39 points during the regular season, tying for the fourth-most in a single season in Rebel history.^[17] Early in the campaign, she was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week in August after scoring five goals in non-conference play, including a hat trick in an 8-0 rout of Western Kentucky.^[18] Her excellence culminated in United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American honors—the first for any Ole Miss player—and a nod to the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list, highlighting her national impact.^[17][4] Through her first three seasons, Kizer had started every appearance, amassing 35 goals and contributing significantly to her eventual career totals of 48 goals and 119 points, which would set program records.^[4] Her consistent production not only elevated Ole Miss's offensive output but also solidified her as a cornerstone of the team's midfield-forward dynamic, fostering a foundation for further achievements.^[17]

Senior year and legacy (2018)

In her senior season at Ole Miss in 2018, Cece Kizer recorded 13 goals and nine assists for 35 points, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in both goals and assists while helping the Rebels achieve a 13-5-2 record and earn an NCAA Tournament berth.^[4][19] She demonstrated strong leadership on the field, scoring or assisting in 15 of the team's 20 matches, including multiple game-winning goals that propelled key victories.^[4] Kizer started all 20 games, capping a career where she appeared in 83 matches without missing a start.^[4] Kizer's outstanding performance earned her third consecutive All-SEC First Team selection, along with United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team honors—her second such accolade after the previous year.^[4][19] Off the field, she was named the 2018 Senior CLASS Award winner, the first in Ole Miss history, recognizing her excellence in classroom, community, character, and competition.^[20] Additionally, she received United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America First Team honors, becoming only the sixth Rebel to achieve this distinction.^[20] Kizer's senior year solidified her legacy at Ole Miss, where she concluded her career holding program records with 48 goals and 119 points across 83 appearances, while ranking ninth in SEC history for career goals and tied for eighth in points.^[4] A four-time Dean's List honoree, her academic and athletic achievements exemplified comprehensive student-athlete success, inspiring future Rebels in the program.^[20]

Club career

Houston Dash (2019–2020)

Cece Kizer was selected 13th overall in the second round of the 2019 NWSL College Draft by the Houston Dash, following a standout college career at Ole Miss where she set program records with 48 goals.^[21][4] In her rookie 2019 season, Kizer made her professional debut on May 19 against the Chicago Red Stars, coming off the bench as a forward-midfielder.^[6] She appeared in 16 matches, starting two, and logged 375 minutes without recording a goal or assist, often rotating in a squad adapting to new coaching under James Clarkson.^[21] As a young attacker transitioning from college dominance, Kizer faced challenges in securing consistent playing time amid competition from established forwards like Janine van Wyk and Rachel Daly, focusing on building physicality and tactical awareness in the professional environment.^[21] The 2020 NWSL season, shortened and restructured due to the COVID-19 pandemic, began with the inaugural Challenge Cup tournament in July, where Kizer remained with the Dash. She made six substitute appearances across the group stage and knockout rounds, totaling 99 minutes, including 62 in the final against the Chicago Red Stars on July 26, contributing to Houston's 2–0 victory and the team's first major trophy.^[22] With no goals or assists in these outings, her role emphasized depth and versatility in midfield rotations during the condensed schedule.^[22] Across her two years with the Dash, Kizer accumulated 22 appearances, two starts, 474 minutes played, and zero goals or assists, serving primarily as a rotational player.^[21] Following the Challenge Cup, she was loaned to Kolbotn IL in Norway's Toppserien for the fall, after which the Dash left her unprotected, leading to her selection by Racing Louisville FC in the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft on December 16.^[23]

Kolbotn Fotball (2020)

In September 2020, shortly after the conclusion of the NWSL Fall Series, the Houston Dash re-signed forward Cece Kizer to a two-year contract and loaned her to Kolbotn IL of Norway's Toppserien for the remainder of the season.^[24] This short-term international move provided Kizer with her first professional experience abroad during the NWSL offseason, building on her developing role as a forward with the Dash.^[3] During her stint with Kolbotn, Kizer adapted quickly to the demands of European club soccer, appearing in five matches and scoring three goals as a key attacking option.^[25] Her contributions were particularly notable in mid-season fixtures, where she showcased her finishing ability and movement off the ball. For instance, on October 3, 2020, against Avaldsnes, Kizer dribbled through multiple defenders before delivering a composed finish to equalize just before halftime in a match that Kolbotn ultimately lost 2-1.^[26] Later, on October 18, she scored the equalizing goal in the 78th minute during a 2-2 draw with Klepp IL, helping secure a valuable point for her team.^[27] These performances highlighted her impact in tight games, with her goals coming from opportunistic plays that bolstered Kolbotn's attack during a competitive phase of the Toppserien campaign.^[5] Kizer's loan concluded in December 2020, after which she returned to the United States and was selected by Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL Expansion Draft.^[28]

Racing Louisville FC (2021–2022)

Cece Kizer was selected by Racing Louisville FC in the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft from the Houston Dash, marking her return to the league ahead of the team's inaugural 2021 season.^[29][23] In 2021, Kizer emerged as a key attacker for Racing Louisville, starting all 22 regular-season matches and logging 1,881 minutes on the pitch. She contributed five goals and one assist in league play, tying for seventh in NWSL scoring that year. Her most notable moment came on April 10, 2021, when she scored the club's first-ever goal in a 2–2 draw against Orlando Pride during the NWSL Challenge Cup opener, striking in the 12th minute to give Louisville an early lead. Other memorable contributions included a goal against North Carolina Courage on April 26, helping secure a competitive match, and a strike versus Washington Spirit on May 21 in a 2–0 victory. Kizer's experience abroad in Norway during 2020 had enhanced her versatility, allowing her to adapt effectively as a forward in Racing's attacking lineup.^[5][30][31] Kizer's 2022 season with Racing Louisville was abbreviated, as she appeared in seven matches, starting all of them and accumulating 548 minutes before a mid-season trade. Although she did not score in regular-season play, she recorded three assists, demonstrating her growing playmaking role in the team's offense and building momentum as a dynamic forward. One highlight was her goal in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup against Kansas City Current on March 18, assisted by Jess McDonald, which marked Racing's first score of the year.^[3][32]

Kansas City Current (2022–2023)

Kizer was traded to the Kansas City Current from Racing Louisville FC on June 9, 2022, along with defender Addisyn Merrick, in exchange for $150,000 in allocation money and the rights to defender Kelli Hubly.^[31] As a native of Overland Park, Kansas, located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, the move marked a significant homecoming for Kizer, allowing her to play in front of local supporters and family for the first time in her professional career.^[31] Her arrival was celebrated by the club and fans, with Kizer quickly integrating into the squad as a dynamic forward. In November 2022, she signed a contract extension with the Current through the 2024 season, underscoring her commitment to the team.^[8] During the remainder of the 2022 NWSL regular season, Kizer made 15 appearances, starting 14, and contributed 7 goals along with 1 assist, helping to bolster the Current's attack after her midseason arrival.^[21] She scored her first goal for the club just nine days after the trade, equalizing in a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Red Stars on June 18, 2022, at Children's Mercy Park.^[33] Her scoring touch provided an immediate offensive spark, with goals in multiple matches that highlighted her speed and finishing ability in transition play. In 2023, Kizer appeared in 20 regular-season matches, starting 18, and recorded 6 goals and 2 assists, forming part of the Current's potent forward line.^[21] A standout moment came in the NWSL Challenge Cup, where she scored a brace—the first multiple-goal game in club history—in the tournament's opening match, securing a 2-0 win over the Houston Dash on April 19, 2023, and becoming the first player to net the competition's inaugural goal of the year.^[34] Her contributions extended to key assists that supported the team's high-scoring runs, including during their unbeaten streak of 14 matches midseason, which propelled the Current to the Challenge Cup semi-finals.^[35] Over her 1.5 seasons with Kansas City, Kizer tallied 35 appearances and 13 goals in regular-season play, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the club's most productive offensive period to date.^[21]

Houston Dash return (2024)

In January 2024, Cece Kizer was traded back to the Houston Dash from the Kansas City Current in exchange for Canadian international forward Nichelle Prince and a 2024 international roster spot, marking her return to the club where she had begun her professional career in 2019.^[36][37] The move was seen as an opportunity to reunite Kizer with a familiar environment, building on her earlier contributions during the Dash's 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup-winning campaign.^[38] Kizer's 2024 season with the Dash was limited, as she appeared in only five NWSL regular-season matches, starting three and logging 216 total minutes without recording a goal or assist.^[21] Her playing time was hampered by a knee injury that sidelined her in May and broader rotation decisions under head coach Fran Alonso, amid the team's struggles that placed them last in the league standings.^[39][40] On February 23, 2024, the Dash extended Kizer's contract through the 2025 season, signaling initial optimism about her role.^[41] However, following the limited opportunities, the club and Kizer mutually agreed to terminate her contract on September 5, 2024, allowing her to pursue other opportunities.^[42]

NJ/NY Gotham FC (2024–2025)

In September 2024, following her waiver by the Houston Dash, NJ/NY Gotham FC signed forward Cece Kizer to a multi-year contract through the 2025 season.^[25][43] Kizer made eight appearances in the NWSL regular season for Gotham, accumulating 99 minutes and scoring one goal during the late 2024 campaign.^[44] Her goal came in a 5-1 victory over Bay FC on October 5, 2024, marking her first regular-season tally with the club and contributing to Gotham's strong finish to the season.^[45] On April 17, 2025, Gotham FC and Kizer mutually agreed to terminate her contract, allowing her to pursue other opportunities amid ongoing roster adjustments for the club.^[44][46]

Utah Royals FC (2025–present)

On April 18, 2025, following a mutual contract termination with NJ/NY Gotham FC, Cece Kizer signed with Utah Royals FC as a free agent, bringing her veteran experience to the team's forward line. The deal secures her position through the 2026 season, where she has been deployed primarily as a versatile forward and midfielder to bolster the Royals' attacking options amid roster challenges.^[46][47] In the 2025 NWSL season, Kizer has made 13 appearances for Utah Royals FC through November 14, accumulating 448 minutes and scoring 1 goal, with no assists recorded. Her contributions include a crucial equalizer in a 3-3 draw against the Washington Spirit, highlighting her role in providing depth and scoring threat to the team's offense. Additionally, on August 8, 2025, she reached the milestone of her 100th career NWSL appearance as a substitute against the Kansas City Current, underscoring her longevity in the league after stints with multiple clubs.^[48][49]

International career

Youth national teams

Cece Kizer began her involvement with the United States youth national teams during her freshman year at the University of Mississippi, earning call-ups that highlighted her potential as an emerging forward and midfielder. In January 2016, she was selected for the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team training camp in Carson, California, where she joined an initial group of players preparing for upcoming international events.^[50] This early invitation underscored her rapid development from high school standout to national team prospect, focusing on technical skills and tactical awareness in a competitive environment. Just two months later, in March 2016, Kizer received another call-up to the U.S. Under-19 Women's National Team roster for a training camp in Davis, Northern California, held from March 12 to 19. Listed as a midfielder from Ole Miss, she was one of 26 players, including 16 collegians, under coach Jitka Klimkova, emphasizing skill-building and team integration for players born in 1997 and later.^[51] These camps provided Kizer with her first significant exposure to the U.S. youth system, allowing her to refine her versatility and positioning while competing against top domestic talent during her college transition.

U-23 national team

Cece Kizer earned her first call-up to the United States Under-23 Women's National Team (U-23 WNT) in late 2017, but her involvement intensified during her senior year at the University of Mississippi in 2018. She was selected for the U-23 WNT's inaugural training camp of the year in January 2018, held in Los Angeles, California, where the roster featured 24 college players preparing for upcoming international opportunities. Later that spring, Kizer received another invitation to a May 2018 training camp announced by U.S. Soccer, continuing her development as a versatile forward capable of contributing in midfield roles. These camps marked her progression from earlier youth national team experiences, providing a pathway to higher-level international exposure during her college season. In 2019, following her selection in the NWSL College Draft by the Houston Dash, Kizer transitioned to professional play while maintaining her U-23 WNT involvement. She was named to the roster for the 2019 Nordic Tournament in England, held from August 28 to September 2, facing national teams from Norway, England, and Sweden. As a forward, Kizer started in the tournament opener, a 2–0 victory over Norway on August 28, providing an assist for Hailie Mace's opening goal in the 20th minute, with Simone Charley scoring the second in the 85th minute.^[52] She substituted into the second group stage match, a 1–0 win over England on August 30. She also started in the final group stage match, a 1–1 draw against Sweden on September 2 that helped secure the U-23 WNT's tournament title with seven points from two victories and a draw, with Kizer being substituted at halftime for Madison Pogarch.^[53] These appearances represented her highest level of international play, recording one assist during the tournament, with no senior national team caps earned during this period. Kizer has not earned additional international caps since the 2019 Nordic Tournament (as of November 2025). Kizer's U-23 WNT tenure overlapped with key club transitions, as her 2018 college commitments aligned with the training camps, and her 2019 Nordic Tournament participation occurred shortly after her NWSL debut season began. Across her U-23 involvement from 2018 to 2019, she made three competitive appearances in the Nordic Tournament, showcasing her ability to adapt between forward and midfield duties.

Honors and awards

College honors

During her tenure at the University of Mississippi from 2015 to 2018, Cece Kizer received numerous accolades recognizing her on-field performance and academic excellence. She earned United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Southeast Region honors in 2015, 2017, and 2018.^[6]

SEC Awards

Kizer earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2015 after leading all freshmen nationally with 14 goals. She was selected to the All-SEC First Team in 2015 as a forward. In 2017, she was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring five goals in the Rebels' first two games of the season. Kizer garnered All-SEC First Team honors again in 2017 as a midfielder. In 2018, she was again named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring four goals and providing two assists in two victories.^[54] She concluded her conference recognition with a third All-SEC First Team selection in 2018 as a midfielder, becoming one of only three Rebels to achieve that distinction.

National Awards

Kizer became the first player in Ole Miss history to earn United Soccer Coaches All-American honors, landing on the Third Team in 2017. She repeated as an All-American in 2018, earning Second Team recognition. Academically, she was named a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America First Team member in 2017 as a junior with a 3.33 GPA in integrated marketing communications. Kizer won the 2018 Senior CLASS Award, which honors NCAA seniors for excellence in the classroom, on the field, in the community, and as a teammate; she was the first recipient from Ole Miss.

Other Honors

Kizer was placed on the 2018 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, the award recognizing the top player in NCAA Division I soccer. She appeared on the Ole Miss Dean's List four times during her college career.

Professional honors

Cece Kizer contributed to the Houston Dash's victory in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, the league's inaugural tournament held during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the Dash defeated the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 in the final; Kizer entered as a substitute in the 29th minute of the match.^[55] Kizer contributed to Racing Louisville FC's win in the 2021 Women's Cup, the club's first trophy, defeating Bayern Munich in a penalty shootout; she led the team with 8 goals across all competitions that year. In the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, Kizer was selected to the Best XI by Just Women's Sports after scoring two goals and providing one assist in four appearances for Racing Louisville FC, including the club's first-ever goal in the competition against the Orlando Pride. Kizer reached the milestone of 100 appearances in the NWSL during the 2025 season with Utah Royals FC, earning league-wide recognition for her longevity and consistency as a veteran forward.^[49] During her loan spell with Kolbotn IL in Norway's Toppserien in 2020, Kizer made five appearances but received no individual or team honors.^[25]