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Jaedyn Shaw
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Jaedyn Reese Shaw, OLY (born November 20, 2004) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.
Key Information
A gold medal winner at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics with the national team. Shaw represented the United States on the under-17, under-19 and under-20 national teams. She was named U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2022.
Shaw played for San Diego Wave FC and won the team's first-ever NWSL Shield and NWSL Challenge Cup in 2024. She was named to the NWSL Best XI in 2023.
Early life and education
[edit]Born and raised in Frisco, Texas, Shaw, her older sister, and younger brother were born to their Vietnamese-born mother, Ann and Black father, Lance.[3] As a two-year-old, she would try playing while attending her older sister's games.[4]
Jaedyn had goals of becoming a professional soccer player from a young age. Her parents sacrificed a lot in order to support Jaedyn's goal. Her mother noted, "Just being really transparent, there was a year or two where all four of us lived in a one bedroom apartment to be able to afford for her to go out of town, out of state, out of the country. My husband and I set our lives on the backburner - no vacations, no honeymoon, no nothing - in order for us to be able to handle the financial burdens that came with the opportunity. I knew this was God's purpose for her so a lot of it, as well, came with trainers, elite trainers, that charged us nothing because they knew she was so special. They knew that she would eventually build their business rather than take away from it. It was a mix of a lot of people's kindness and a mix of our sacrifices, financially."[4] For part of her youth, she lived two blocks away from Toyota Stadium where the United States Soccer Hall of Fame resides and FC Dallas plays and has many memories of the stadium.[5]
Shaw played for ECNL club, Solar Soccer Club, from age five to eight.[6] She later played for FC Dallas’ youth academy team and helped the club win the under-15 championship in 2018.[7] Shaw also played futsal and credits it for a lot of growth in her game, "I played strictly futsal until I was pushing maybe 12. I think that it helped me a lot technically and being able to see the game differently."[8]
Club career
[edit]Early career
[edit]In April 2019, at the age of 14, Shaw verbally committed to joining the Tar Heels of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill starting in the 2024 season.[9] At the age of 15, Shaw was also invited to train with the French first-division club, Paris Saint-Germain.[4] At the youth level, she played for FC Dallas and Solar SC. In 2022, Shaw was rated as the second ranked top prospect for the high school class of 2023 by Top Drawer Soccer.[10][11]
In spring 2022, she joined Washington Spirit for pre-season and was named in the club's initial preseason roster.[12]
San Diego Wave
[edit]
In July 2022, Shaw signed for National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club San Diego Wave FC after she was permitted to enter the NWSL through a discovery process which allowed for an amendment of the leagues age restrictions.[13][14][15]
Thirteen days after signing with the club, on July 30, Shaw started the Wave's NWSL match against Chicago Red Stars. She was the second-youngest player to compete in NWSL at the time at the age of 17 years, eight months. After scoring the game winner for her team in the 27th minute, she became the youngest NWSL player to score in their debut.[16][17][18][19] Shaw went on to score goals against the Washington Spirit and Angel City in September, bringing her tally to three goals in three matches.[20][21] She became the second player in NWSL history to score in each of their first three league appearances.[22] Shaw finished off her first season with 3 goals in 7 matches.
In August 2023, Shaw signed a multi-year contract with the Wave through the 2026 season.[23] During the 2023 season, Shaw scored the most goals as a teenager in NWSL history and helped the Wave win its first-ever NWSL Shield.[24]
North Carolina Courage
[edit]The North Carolina Courage announced on January 14, 2025, that they had acquired Shaw in a trade by sending San Diego $300,000 in allocation money, $150,000 in intraleague transfer fees, and an international spot in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, along with further possible allocation money and transfer fees.[25]
Gotham FC
[edit]Gotham FC announced on September 11, 2025, that they had acquired Shaw in a trade by sending the North Carolina Courage a league-record $1.25m in intraleague transfer fees.[26]
International career
[edit]
Shaw was part of the U-15 team at the CONCACAF Girls' Under-15 Championship in 2018. She played a key role in helping the team to the title and winning the golden ball award as the best player of the tournament. She scored two goals in the final of the tournament leading the team to a 3–0 victory over Mexico.[27][28]
In early 2020, Shaw became a starter for the U-20, where she scored two goals in three matches to help the squad to win the Sud Ladies Cup in Aubagne, France.[29] Afterwards, Shaw was named to the USA U-20 roster for the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She was one of two NWSL players to play for the U20 USWNT in the U20 World Cup.
Shaw received her first call up to the senior team in September 2023 and made her debut a month later on October 26, 2023, in a friendly against Colombia in Sandy, Utah.[30][31] A few days later, she scored her first goal for the USWNT in San Diego, California, in her second cap on October 29, 2023, in another friendly against Colombia which ended in a 3–0 victory.[32] She scored her second goal in her hometown of Frisco, Texas a month later on December 5, 2023, which was a game winner in a comeback against China that finished as a 2–1 victory.[33]
Shaw was named to the 23-player roster for the inaugural 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. During the tournament Shaw played in all 6 matches and scored 4 goals, becoming the first player in the USWNT's history to score in their first four starts for the team.[34] Her performance earned her the Golden Ball, given to the best player of the tournament as the USWNT defeated Brazil 1–0 in the final and lifted the first Gold Cup in San Diego on March 10, 2023.[35]
On March 26, 2024, Shaw was called up for the 2024 SheBelieves Cup and scored the first goal, an equalizer in a 2–1 comeback victory against Japan on April 6, 2024, extending her record to become the first player to score in their first five starts.[36] Shaw also started the final against Canada who the team defeated after a penalty shootout to win their 7th title at the SheBelieves Cup.[37]
On June 26, 2024, Shaw was named to the United States roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics.[38] The United States defeated Brazil 1–0 in the Olympic final on a goal from Mallory Swanson.[39]
Style of play
[edit]Shaw has played across all attacking roles, including as a winger, center forward, and attacking midfielder, and prefers to play as a forward. She is known for seeking and recognizing openings to receive the ball and for her creativity under pressure, possessing both the physical strength and technical control to protect possession as well as the agility to turn defenders. Her signature move is to drag the ball back under her foot to force defenders off balance. Shaw is also an ambidextrous passer.[40] For the Wave under Casey Stoney, Shaw has featured as a hybrid 10[41] or as a center forward capable of rotating to either wing with Sofia Jakobsson.[42]
Personal life
[edit]Shaw's father and mother are Black and Vietnamese respectively. She is the first Vietnamese-American to ever represent the United States Women's National Team.[43]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of May 17, 2025
| Club | Season | League | Cup[a] | Playoffs[b] | Continental[c] | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| San Diego Wave FC | 2022 | NWSL | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 7 | 3 | ||
| 2023 | 22 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 29 | 7 | ||||
| 2024 | 22 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 0[d] | 0 | 25 | 4 | |||
| North Carolina Courage | 2025 | 9 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 9 | 0 | |||||
| Career total | 58 | 13 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70 | 14 | ||
- ^ Includes the NWSL Challenge Cup
- ^ Includes NWSL Playoffs
- ^ Includes CONCACAF W Champions Cup
- ^ Includes NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup
International
[edit]- As of match played October 29, 2025
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2023 | 4 | 2 |
| 2024 | 17 | 6 | |
| 2025 | 8 | 0 | |
| Total | 29 | 8 | |
- Scores and results list United States's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Shaw goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 29, 2023 | San Diego, California | 3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | [m 1] | |
| 2 | December 5, 2023 | Frisco, Texas | 2–1 | 2–1 | [m 2] | ||
| 3 | February 23, 2024 | Carson, California | 1–0 | 4–0 | 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup | [m 3] | |
| 4 | 2–0 | ||||||
| 5 | March 3, 2024 | Los Angeles, California | 3–0 | 3–0 | [m 4] | ||
| 6 | March 6, 2024 | San Diego, California | 1–0 | 2–2 | [m 5] | ||
| 7 | April 6, 2024 | Atlanta, Georgia | 1–1 | 2–1 | 2024 SheBelieves Cup | [m 6] | |
| 8 | October 24, 2024 | Austin, Texas | 2–1 | 3–1 | Friendly | [m 7] |
Honors
[edit]San Diego Wave
United States U15
United States U20
United States
- Summer Olympic Games Gold Medal: 2024[47]
Individual
- CONCACAF Girls' Under-15 Championship Golden Ball: 2018[50][51]
- Sud Ladies Cup Best XI: 2022[52]
- US Soccer Young Female Player of the Year: 2022[53]
- NWSL Best XI: 2023[54]
- CONCACAF W Gold Cup Golden Ball: 2024[55]
- CONCACAF W Gold Cup Best XI: 2024[56]
References
[edit]- ^ "FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2022 – Squad List: USA" (PDF). FIFA. August 18, 2022. p. 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ "Jaedyn Shaw". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL Medien GmbH & Co. KG. Archived from the original on May 5, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
- ^ Brennan, Clare (July 12, 2024). "The Olympics Are Just the Beginning for Young USWNT Star Jaedyn Shaw". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Jaedyn Shaw: Inside the rise of the NWSL's teenage star set for USWNT honors". Goal.com. March 23, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ "Teenager Jaedyn Shaw helps the US women to a 2-1 victory over China in year-ending exhibition match". ABC News 10. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ "The Young Locals Leading the Wave of Next-Gen Athletes". San Diego Magazine. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ Harris, Laura (April 30, 2024). "Frisco's Jaedyn Shaw hopes to score a spot on the USWNT for the Paris Olympics". NBCDFW. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ Hernandez, Cesar (October 17, 2023). "How family and futsal took Jaedyn Shaw to San Diego, USWNT". ESPN. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ "SSF News". Sealy Soccer Factory. April 5, 2019. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Jaedyn Shaw Signs With San Diego Wave FC | Club Soccer | Youth Soccer". TopDrawerSoccer.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Shaw Bags First Goal in Professional Debut | Club Soccer | Youth Soccer". TopDrawerSoccer.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Jason (February 1, 2022). "Washington Spirit announce initial preseason roster". Black And Red United. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "NWSL will allow 17-year-old Jaedyn Shaw to join league". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "NWSL's San Diego Wave FC signs 17-year-old USYNT star Jaedyn Shaw". SoccerWire. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ Hruby, Emma (June 30, 2022). "Jaedyn Shaw to enter NWSL as league reviews age restriction policy". Just Women's Sports. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "Column: San Diego Wave have fast riser in teenager Jaedyn Shaw". San Diego Union-Tribune. August 5, 2022. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ Brennan, Clare (July 31, 2022). "San Diego's Jaedyn Shaw scores game-winner in first NWSL start". Just Women's Sports. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "USYNT star Jaedyn Shaw scores for San Diego Wave on NWSL debut". Pro Soccer Wire. July 31, 2022. Archived from the original on June 24, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ Stone, Chris (July 31, 2022). "17-Year-Old Jaedyn Shaw Leads Wave Win: Youngest to Score in NWSL Debut". Times of San Diego. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ Stone, Chris (September 18, 2022). "Largest Crowd in NWSL History Roars Approval of Wave in Snapdragon Debut". Times of San Diego. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Angel City FC falls short against San Diego Wave FC in front of record-setting crowd". Daily News. September 18, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ Wave, San Diego (September 18, 2022). "SAN DIEGO WAVE FC DEFEATS SO-CAL RIVAL ANGEL CITY FC IN FRONT OF SOLD-OUT CROWD". San Diego Wave Fútbol Club. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ Wave, San Diego (August 3, 2023). "San Diego Wave FC Signs Jaedyn Shaw to New Contract". San Diego Wave Fútbol Club. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ "How 18-year-old Jaedyn Shaw became NWSL's, USWNT's next big thing". ESPN.com. October 17, 2023. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ "NC Courage acquires USWNT midfielder Jaedyn Shaw from San Diego Wave". North Carolina Courage. January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "Gotham FC lands star Jaedyn Shaw in club record transfer". Gotham FC. September 11, 2025. Retrieved September 11, 2025.
- ^ "Kat Rader & The USGNT wins u15 CONCACAF Championship". Football Club Prime Inc. September 6, 2018. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ a b "United States claims Division 1 title at CONCACAF Girls' Under-15 Championship". Concacaf. February 14, 2021. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. U-20 Women's Youth National Team wins Sud Ladies Cup title". SoccerWire. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ Carrick, Buzz (September 12, 2023). "DFW local Jaedyn Shaw receives first call-up to the US Women's National Team". 3rd Degree. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ Hruby, Emma (October 27, 2023). "Jaedyn Shaw makes 'well-earned' first USWNT appearance". Just Women's Sports. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ "USWNT defeats Colombia 3–0 as Mia Fishel and Jaedyn Shaw score first goals". SoccerWire. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ Staff, J. W. S. (December 5, 2023). "Jaedyn Shaw scores game-winning goal in USWNT's 2023 finale". Just Women's Sports. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (March 7, 2024). "Jaedyn Shaw sets USWNT record with goals in first four starts – Equalizer Soccer". Archived from the original on June 24, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ "VIDEO: 'Real Gold' for Jaedyn Shaw! USWNT teenage superstar wins CONCACAF W Gold Cup Golden Ball as best player | Goal.com". www.goal.com. March 11, 2024. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ "USWNT vs. Japan – April 06, 2024 | 2024 SheBelieves Cup". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ "USWNT vs. Canada: Match Recap & Highlights". www.ussoccer.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ "Emma Hayes Names 2024 U.S. Olympic Women's Soccer Team". www.ussoccer.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ Mathews, Max (August 10, 2024). "USWNT vs Brazil live updates: Mallory Swanson breaks deadlock in Paris Olympics 2024 women's soccer final". The Athletic. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ Newman, Blair (June 7, 2023). "What makes Jaedyn Shaw so exceptional". The Equalizer. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (March 26, 2023). "How the Wave tweaked their formation to beat Chicago, and made Shaw a focal point". The Equalizer. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ Insixiengmay, Stephanie (September 24, 2022). "Tactical Analysis: The San Diego Wave's historic win over Angel City (1–0)". LAG Confidential. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ Vertelney, Seth. "USWNT star Shaw opens up on Vietnamese heritage," USA Today, Friday, May 10, 2024. Archived May 10, 2024, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "San Diego Wave claim 2023 NWSL Shield". CONCACAF. October 17, 2023. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "San Diego Wave FC Defeat 1–0 NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2024 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup". March 16, 2024. Archived from the original on March 16, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Under-20 Women's Youth National Team Draws Netherlands, 2–2, Then Wins Penalty Shootout To Take Title At 2022 Sud Ladies Cup In France". U.S. Soccer. June 29, 2022. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ Jurejko, Jonathan (August 10, 2024). "Brazil 0-1 United States: Emma Hayes leads USA to Olympic gold". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on August 10, 2024. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ "Horan the hero as USA down Brazil to win W Gold Cup crown". CONCACAF.com. March 11, 2024. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ "2024 Shebelieves Cup final USWNT vs Canada result". U.S. Soccer. Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Rising Stars – Jaedyn Shaw". FUT411. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. wins 2018 Concacaf U15 Championship | Club Soccer | Youth Soccer". TopDrawerSoccer.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Sud Ladies Cup 2022 best XI". Sud Ladies Cup. June 29, 2022. Archived from the original on January 8, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Sophia Smith Voted 2022 Biosteel U.S. Soccer Female Player Of The Year; Jaedyn Shaw Voted 2022 Chipotle U.S. Soccer Young Female Player Of The Year". US Soccer. January 6, 2023. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "NWSL Announces Winners of 2023 Mastercard Best XI Awards". November 6, 2023. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
- ^ "Shaw Naeher lead honors at W Gold Cup". CONCACAF.com. March 11, 2024. Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ "Shaw, Leon, Ovalle head up W Gold Cup Best XI". CONCACAF. March 13, 2024. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
- Match reports
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Earns 3–0 Win Against Colombia as Forwards Mia Fishel and Jaedyn Shaw Score Their First International Goals". U.S. Soccer. October 29, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Defeats China PR 2–1 in Final Match of 2023". U.S. Soccer. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Advances to 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Quarterfinals With 4–0 Win Against Argentina". U.S. Soccer. February 23, 2024. Archived from the original on April 19, 2024. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Advances to 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Semifinal With Strong 3–0 Victory Against Colombia". U.S. Soccer. March 3, 2024. Archived from the original on April 15, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Advances to 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Final with Penalty Kick Shootout Win Over Canada Following 2–2 Draw Through Regulation and Overtime". U.S. Soccer. March 6, 2024. Archived from the original on March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Opens 2024 SheBelieves Cup Presented by Visa with 2–1 Win Over Japan in Front of Record-Setting Crowd in Atlanta". U.S. Soccer. April 6, 2024. Archived from the original on April 6, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Downs Iceland 3-1 in First Match Following Olympic Gold". U.S.Soccer. October 25, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Jaedyn Shaw at U.S. Soccer
- Jaedyn Shaw at the National Women's Soccer League
- Jaedyn Shaw at Soccerway.com
- Jaedyn Shaw at WorldFootball.net
- Jaedyn Shaw at FBref.com
- Jaedyn Shaw at kicker (in German)
- Jaedyn Shaw at National Women's Soccer League
Jaedyn Shaw
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life and education
Jaedyn Shaw was born on November 20, 2004, in Frisco, Texas, to Lance Shaw, an African American father, and Ann Shaw, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam.[2][8] She has an older sister and a younger brother, with her family playing a pivotal role in fostering her early passion for soccer. Her interest in the sport began at age two, when she would mimic her older sister during games, leading her parents to enroll her in futsal at age four, where she initially excelled and honed her technical skills and ball control.[9][10] Shaw grew up in Frisco, a suburb of Dallas known for its strong youth soccer culture, including proximity to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which inspired her dreams of a professional career.[4] Her family made significant sacrifices to support her development, including living in modest accommodations and prioritizing her training over vacations or luxuries.[8] This environment in Frisco provided initial exposure to organized sports, where she quickly showed promise in local programs. Through family connections and club opportunities, Shaw traveled internationally for training, including trips to Brazil to train with Santos FC's women's team and to Barcelona for a world futsal championship, further developing her skills before transitioning to 11-v-11 soccer around age 12.[3] For her education, Shaw was homeschooled to allow for intensive daily soccer training, forgoing traditional high school.[11] In April 2019, at age 14, she verbally committed to play college soccer for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels starting in the 2024 season.[12] However, she ultimately chose to pursue a professional path instead, bypassing college. That same year, at age 15, Shaw received an invitation to train with Paris Saint-Germain's first-division team in France for about two weeks, an experience she described as a challenging pre-season boot camp that elevated her skills.[13][14]Youth soccer career
Jaedyn Shaw began her organized youth soccer career with FC Dallas in 2015, joining the club's Girls Academy at around age 10.[15] She progressed through the academy's age groups, competing at the Development Academy level, where she demonstrated early promise as a midfielder and forward. By 2018, at age 13, Shaw had become a key contributor for the FC Dallas under-15 team, starting 22 matches and scoring 12 goals in a standout season that helped secure a youth championship.[16] Her performances in the academy highlighted her technical skills and versatility, building a foundation in high-level competitive play within Texas youth soccer.[17] Shaw later transitioned to Solar Soccer Club, continuing her development in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), one of the premier youth platforms in the United States.[18] With Solar, she competed in top age groups, including the under-17 and under-19 levels, where her team achieved notable success, such as winning three titles at the 2021 Dallas Cup international youth tournament.[19] In the 2020-21 season, Shaw ranked among the top performers in the ECNL according to the Instat Index, reflecting her impact in league play and her growing reputation as an elite prospect.[20] However, at age 16, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a training accident, sidelining her for about 7.5 months; she recovered with rigorous family-supported rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic and returned stronger.[3] The pinnacle of her club achievements came in 2021 when her Solar ECNL team captured the national playoffs title, solidifying her trajectory from regional competitions to national contention.[18] That year, Shaw also earned the Golden Ball as the top player at the 2018 Concacaf Girls' Under-15 Championship, highlighting her international youth prowess.[1] In April 2019, at age 14, Shaw verbally committed to the University of North Carolina's Tar Heels women's soccer program for the 2024 season, drawn to its storied tradition of developing professional talent.[21] However, as opportunities in professional soccer emerged, she opted to forgo college eligibility to pursue an immediate pro path, a decision she described as challenging yet aligned with her career goals.[21] In June 2022, at 17, Shaw entered the NWSL's discovery process, training with clubs like the Washington Spirit to showcase her abilities ahead of a professional contract.[13] This move marked the culmination of her youth development, transitioning her from elite academy and ECNL environments to the cusp of professional leagues. By mid-2022, she had been rated as the second-ranked prospect in her high school class of 2023 by TopDrawer Soccer, underscoring her rapid ascent.[19]Professional club career
San Diego Wave FC
Jaedyn Shaw signed with San Diego Wave FC on July 18, 2022, as a 17-year-old discovery player, allowing her to bypass the NWSL draft and enter professional soccer directly.[22] The contract was through the 2023 season with no option year.[23] Shaw made her professional debut on July 30, 2022, starting and scoring the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars, becoming the youngest player to score on debut in NWSL history at age 17.[1] She went on to score in her next two league matches as well, finishing the 2022 regular season with 3 goals in 5 appearances and no assists.[24] In 2023, Shaw experienced a breakout season, recording 6 goals and 3 assists in 22 regular-season appearances while helping the Wave clinch the NWSL Shield as the top regular-season team.[24] Her performance earned her a spot on the NWSL Best XI first team.[24] During the 2024 season, Shaw appeared in 22 regular-season matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist, while playing a key role in the Wave's 1-0 victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC to win the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup.[25] Over her tenure with the Wave from 2022 to 2024, she amassed 52 total appearances and 13 goals.[26] On January 14, 2025, ahead of the new season, Shaw was traded to the North Carolina Courage in exchange for $300,000 in allocation money and an international roster spot for the 2025 and 2026 seasons; she was under contract with the Wave through 2026 at the time of the trade.[26]North Carolina Courage
On January 14, 2025, the North Carolina Courage acquired Jaedyn Shaw from the San Diego Wave FC in a trade that sent $300,000 in allocation money, an international roster spot for the 2025 and 2026 NWSL seasons, and $150,000 in intra-league transfer funds to San Diego.[26][27] Shaw, under contract through 2026, joined the Courage as a versatile midfielder expected to bolster their attack, drawing on her prior NWSL experience. Early in her tenure, she faced challenges adapting to heightened expectations in a new environment but gradually integrated into the squad, contributing to midfield rotations and occasionally filling defensive roles to support team balance.[28][29] During the 2025 NWSL regular season, Shaw appeared in 19 matches for the Courage, making 10 starts while logging significant minutes in central midfield. She recorded three goals and one assist, showcasing her scoring threat and playmaking ability. Notable contributions included her first goal for the club on June 21, 2025, in a 2-1 comeback victory over the Houston Dash, where she equalized to help secure the win. Later, on September 6, 2025, she converted a penalty kick in the 89th minute against the Utah Royals, giving the Courage a temporary 1-0 lead in a match that ended 1-1. Her lone assist came in a key team win, underlining her role in creating scoring opportunities amid a transitional season for the side.[30][6] Shaw's growing impact culminated in her mid-season departure, as the Courage traded her to NJ/NY Gotham FC on September 11, 2025, for a league-record $1.25 million in allocation money. The deal, finalized after negotiations reflecting her rapid value appreciation as a 20-year-old USWNT contributor, marked the highest intra-league transfer fee in NWSL history and allowed the Courage to reinvest in roster depth.[31][32][29]NJ/NY Gotham FC
On September 11, 2025, NJ/NY Gotham FC acquired Jaedyn Shaw from the North Carolina Courage in an NWSL intraleague-record transfer for $1.25 million in allocation money, marking the highest fee ever paid between NWSL clubs.[6][31] Shaw made her debut for Gotham the following day, September 12, 2025, against her former club, the San Diego Wave FC, where she scored the opening goal in a 2–0 victory at Snapdragon Stadium.[33][34] Following the transfer, Shaw appeared in seven regular-season matches for Gotham, earning seven starts and logging 520 minutes while contributing one goal and one assist, bringing her total 2025 NWSL contributions across clubs to 26 appearances, 1,550 minutes, four goals, and two assists.[35][33] Her integration into the squad included several late-season starts, bolstering Gotham's midfield creativity as the team pushed for playoff positioning.[36] In the NWSL playoffs, Shaw scored her first postseason goal on November 9, 2025, in the quarterfinal against the top-seeded Kansas City Current, opening the scoring in the 68th minute during a 2–1 extra-time upset victory at CPKC Stadium that advanced Gotham to the semifinals.[37][38] This strike, her second overall for the club, highlighted her immediate impact in high-stakes matches.[39] Just days before the playoff triumph, on November 6, 2025, Gotham announced a four-year contract extension for Shaw, securing her services through the 2029 season.[33][7] General Manager Yael Averbuch West praised Shaw's "incredible quality" and expressed excitement about her long-term role, stating, "We’re thrilled to keep her at Gotham and look forward to watching her continue to thrive."[33] Shaw echoed the sentiment, noting, “I’m so excited to continue to give my all for this incredible club and our amazing fans. I’m grateful to call this place home for the years ahead.”[33] The extension underscores the club's investment in her as a cornerstone midfielder.[40]International career
Youth international career
Jaedyn Shaw began her youth international career with the United States U-15 Women's Youth National Team (WYNT) at the 2018 CONCACAF Girls' U-15 Championship in Bradenton, Florida, where the U.S. team won the title after defeating Mexico 3-0 in extra time during the final.[41] She scored two goals during the tournament and was named the Golden Ball winner as the competition's best player.[41][18] Following her U-15 success, Shaw progressed to higher youth levels, earning call-ups to the U-17 WYNT for training camps, including a January 2020 session in Florida and a February 2020 camp ahead of Concacaf U-17 Women's World Cup Qualifying.[42][43] She also participated in U-18/U-19 WYNT training camps, such as those in California in January 2023 and North Carolina in April 2023, as well as friendlies that honed her skills against international opposition.[44] Shaw's most prominent youth international experience came with the U-20 WYNT. In June 2022, she helped the team win the Sud Ladies Cup in France, scoring twice—including the equalizer in a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands and a goal in a 3-0 victory over Mexico—while earning a spot on the tournament's Best XI.[45][46] Later that year, she represented the U.S. at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica, appearing in all three group-stage matches with two starts as the team advanced to the knockout round.[1] These youth international opportunities, spanning multiple levels and including competitive tournaments and developmental camps, provided Shaw with essential exposure to high-pressure environments and tactical demands, building her confidence and versatility as an attacking midfielder ahead of her senior USWNT transition.[47]Senior international career
Jaedyn Shaw received her first call-up to the senior United States women's national team (USWNT) in September 2023 at the age of 18. She made her debut on October 26, 2023, as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win against Colombia in Sandy, Utah. Three days later, on October 29, 2023, Shaw scored her first international goal for the USWNT, also as a substitute, in a 2-1 friendly victory over Germany in Nashville, Tennessee, becoming the second-youngest player in team history to score on her second cap.[1] In October 2024, following the Olympics, Shaw featured in friendlies against Iceland (scoring the go-ahead goal in a 3-1 win on October 24) and Argentina.[48] In 2024, Shaw emerged as a key contributor during the USWNT's successful campaigns. She played in all six matches of the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup, scoring four goals—including a goal in the 5-0 group-stage win over the Dominican Republic, a brace in the 4-0 group-stage win over Argentina, and a goal in the 3-0 quarterfinal victory over El Salvador—helping the team secure the title with a 1-0 final win over Brazil on March 10. For her standout performances, Shaw was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.[49][50] Later that year, as the youngest member of the USWNT roster at 19, she featured in the 2024 Paris Olympics, starting in four of six matches and contributing to the team's gold medal win with a 1-0 final victory over Brazil on August 10; her Olympic appearances added to her growing reputation for clinical finishing and midfield creativity.[6] Following the Olympics, Shaw continued with the senior USWNT through April 2025 but had limited involvement later in 2025 due to club commitments, playing with the U-23 Women's National Team for friendlies in Germany in May 2025 under coach Emma Hayes. Shaw returned to the senior roster in October 2025 for matches against Portugal (twice) and New Zealand, making substitute appearances in all three friendlies and providing an assist in the 3-1 win over New Zealand on October 29. As of October 29, 2025, Shaw had accumulated 29 caps for the USWNT, with 8 goals and 3 assists, including notable strikes such as her debut goal against Germany and the go-ahead goal against Iceland in a 3-1 friendly on October 24, 2024.[51][52][53]Style of play and personal life
Style of play
Jaedyn Shaw exhibits remarkable positional flexibility, primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder or forward, where she can operate on the wings or centrally as a No. 10 or even false nine. This versatility allows her to serve as a focal point in both club and international setups, adapting to tactical demands by interchanging positions fluidly.[54][55] Her playing style is characterized by technical proficiency, including strong dribbling skills and exceptional vision for assists, enabling her to deliver precise final passes and find runners in tight spaces. Shaw's clinical finishing and fearless approach further enhance her threat in the final third, making her a creative force capable of breaking down low- to mid-block defenses through intricate passing and movement between lines.[54][55][56] Since transitioning from youth soccer to the professional level at age 17, Shaw's style has evolved with greater physicality and consistency, particularly post-2023, as she has shifted toward more central roles to maximize her influence. USWNT coach Emma Hayes has highlighted her suitability for the false nine, praising her ability to enhance attacking dynamics.[57][54][55] Interim coach Twila Kilgore has assessed her ongoing development across all phases, noting the need to bolster defensive contributions while acknowledging her offensive instincts.[54] Shaw has voiced a preference for possession-oriented systems that foster self-expression and combination play, influencing her move to environments that align with this tactical fit.[57]Personal life
Jaedyn Shaw was born on November 20, 2004, in Frisco, Texas, to parents Lance Shaw, an African American, and Ann Shaw, a Vietnamese immigrant who moved to the United States.[8][3] Her family, including a younger brother, maintained close ties to their Texas roots while providing unwavering support throughout her early career, often making significant sacrifices such as forgoing vacations and living in a modest one-bedroom apartment to fund her soccer pursuits.[8][58] In 2022, her entire family relocated from Dallas to San Diego to accompany her after she joined the San Diego Wave FC, highlighting their ongoing commitment to her development.[58][3] Off the field, Shaw has shown interest in fashion and the beauty industry, collaborating with stylists and designers to celebrate her Vietnamese heritage, such as wearing a custom áo dài-inspired jersey in 2025.[59][60] She also maintains an active but selective social media presence on Instagram under @jaedynshaw11, where she has over 70,000 followers and shares limited personal content alongside professional updates, identifying as a "Follower of Christ."[61] Her rising profile since 2023 has led to endorsements with brands including Adidas Football and Red Bull USA.[61] Additionally, Shaw has explored content creation, setting up a vlogging room during her time in North Carolina.[62] In 2025, Shaw experienced significant personal transitions due to her club transfers, first joining the North Carolina Courage in January before moving to NJ/NY Gotham FC in September in a record $1.25 million intra-league deal, which required relocation to the New Jersey/New York area.[5][6] This series of moves across three clubs in two years brought challenges but ultimately provided stability, as she signed a four-year contract extension with Gotham FC in November, securing her future through 2029.[7][62] Despite her on-field prominence, Shaw maintains a relatively low-profile personal life, avoiding public disclosures about relationships and focusing disclosures on family heritage and faith.[8][4]Career statistics and honors
Club statistics
Jaedyn Shaw has accumulated significant playing time across her NWSL club career, featuring in multiple competitions for three teams as of November 16, 2025.[63]Season-by-Season Club Statistics (NWSL Regular Season)
The following table summarizes Shaw's appearances, starts, goals, and assists in the NWSL regular season by season and club.| Season | Club | Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | San Diego Wave FC | 5 (4) | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | San Diego Wave FC | 22 (19) | 6 | 3 |
| 2024 | San Diego Wave FC | 22 (13) | 4 | 1 |
| 2025 | North Carolina Courage | 19 (10) | 3 | 1 |
| 2025 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 7 (6) | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 75 (52) | 17 | 6 |
Statistics by Competition (All Seasons)
Shaw's contributions extend beyond the regular season, including the NWSL Challenge Cup and playoffs. The table below provides a breakdown across all competitions.| Competition | Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| NWSL Regular Season | 75 (52) | 17 | 6 |
| NWSL Challenge Cup | 7 (5) | 1 | 1 |
| NWSL Playoffs | 4 (4) | 1 | 1 |
| Career Total | 86 (61) | 19 | 8 |
International statistics
Jaedyn Shaw has represented the United States at various youth international levels before transitioning to the senior team. Her youth career includes appearances with the U-15 and U-20 national teams, where she contributed significantly to tournament successes.[1][71]Youth International Statistics
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U-15 | 6 | 2 |
| U-20 | 6 | 2 |
Senior International Statistics (USWNT)
Shaw made her senior debut on October 26, 2023, against Colombia and scored her first goal three days later in the same series. As of October 29, 2025, she has accumulated 29 caps and 8 goals across friendlies, the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, and the 2024 Olympics.[72][1]By Year
| Year | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 18 | 10 | 7 | 1 |
| 2025 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 29 | 13 | 8 | 3 |
By Competition
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 15 | 4 |
| 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup | 4 | 1 |
| 2024 Olympics | 5 | 2 |
| Other Tournaments | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 29 | 8 |
Total International Statistics
Combining youth and senior levels, Shaw has made approximately 41 appearances and scored 12 goals for U.S. national teams as of October 29, 2025. Youth figures encompass pre-senior participation, while senior stats reflect full international matches. Ongoing senior commitments, including potential 2026 tournaments, will continue to update these totals.[1][72]Club
San Diego Wave FC- NWSL Shield: 2023[73]
- NWSL Challenge Cup: 2024[25]
International
Youth
United States U-15- CONCACAF Girls' Under-15 Championship: 2018[74] (Golden Ball winner)[41]
- Sud Ladies Cup: 2022 (Best XI)[45][1]
Senior
United States- CONCACAF W Gold Cup: 2024 (Golden Ball winner)[75]
- Olympic gold medal: 2024[1]
Individual
- U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year: 2022
- NWSL Best XI (First Team): 2023[76]