5 young players poised to break out during the 2025 NWSL season

The NWSL has a great track record of producing young talent, including the likes of Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson. Here are five players who could follow those footsteps by breaking out during the 2025 NWSL season.
San Diego Wave FC v Angel City FC
San Diego Wave FC v Angel City FC | Eric Brown Jr./ISI Photos/GettyImages
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Maggie Graham

Houston Dash

Maggie Graham
Houston Dash v Angel City FC | Aaron M. Sprecher/GettyImages

Maggie Graham has had an instant impact for the Houston Dash. In four matches, the rookie has scored two goals. These contributions earned Graham the NWSL Rookie of the Month award in March.

Before being added by the Dash, Graham played for Duke at the collegiate level. Graham had over 100 appearances for the Blue Devils, giving her plenty of time to settle into playing on one of the world's biggest stages. The midfielder had 22 goals and 15 assists with Duke.

Graham is playing alongside some top talent with the Dash, with striker Diana Ordóñez always presenting an attacking threat. She is also playing with Sophia Schmidt, who has years of experience that can help the rookie midfielder acclimate to the pro game.

Alyssa Thompson

Angel City FC

Alyssa Thompson
Houston Dash v Angel City FC | Aaron M. Sprecher/GettyImages

Alyssa Thompson is in her third season in the NWSL, despite only being 20 years old. She was the No. 1 pick in the NWSL draft in 2023. Thompson has already been influential in her career with Angel City, but she is due to have a big season in 2025. Her pace gives her the ability to drive the ball downfield and unleash powerful and well-placed shots.

Thompson has given Angel City a boost with her goalscoring ability. In her first two seasons, she contributed with nine goals and eight assists. Already in the 2025 season, Thompson has three goals and one assist. If Thompson can continue with this output, she'll surely reach double digits for goals scored.

Ally Sentnor

Utah Royals

Ally Sentnor
United States v Brazil - International Friendly | Erin Chang/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

Ally Sentnor is a 21-year-old midfielder/forward who was the Royals' No. 1 pick in the 2024 NWSL draft. Before coming to the league, Sentnor was an outstanding player with the North Carolina Tar Heels. She scored 21 goals in 48 games and earned several awards.

Sentnor was named 2023 ACC Midfielder of the Year and first-team All-ACC. She has played for the U.S. youth teams, which eventually led to a call-up by the USWNT in 2024. Sentnor won a bronze medal in the U-20 Women's World Cup in 2024, where she was named captain and earned the Bronze Ball.

Sentnor has shown promise for all the sides she has played for. In her first season with the Royals, she tallied three goals and four assists. She has already bagged one assist this season, but will be keen on making an even bigger impression, as the Royals find themselves at the bottom of the table.