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Bay FC secures Penelope Hocking for 2027, betting on her growing impact in the NWSL

With key assists and consistent performances, Hocking proves to be vital for Bay FC’s ambitions

By Izabelle Franca

Bay FC forward Penelope Hocking (55) in action during the match against the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium
Bay FC forward Penelope Hocking (55) in action during the match against the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Bay FC has inked a long-term commitment by extending the contract for forward Penelope Hocking three years. With this new deal, Hocking is now signed through 2027, with options to extend through 2029. The move underscores Bay FC's confidence in a player who, for all of her short tenure in this setting, has already begun proving herself to be a key asset for the team's future.

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Immediate Impact

Hocking joined Bay FC in August 2024 from the Chicago Red Stars, just ahead of the sealing of the summer transfer window. And right off the bat, she made sure she wasn't there to play backup. In her first game-a 1-0 win over Racing Louisville-she provided the winning assist. That outstanding performance was only the start.

Through all eight regular season matches she played with Bay FC, Hocking made three starts but remained an impactful force off the bench. She once again proved her worth during the playoffs, providing an assist on Bay FC's first postseason goal ever in a thrilling playoff match against the Washington Spirit.

At just 24 years old, Hocking thrives under pressure, moves intelligently across the field, and has plenty of room to grow. Even with fewer minutes compared to others, she’s consistently made her presence felt and has the potential to make an even greater impact.

From Chicago Red Stars to Bay FC

Before her transfer, Hocking had already caused a stir with the Chicago Red Stars. In 2024, she recorded four goals and one assist in 13 regular-season matches. For the 2023-2024 season, she played in 29 games (starting 26 of them) and had seven goals and two assists.

Consistent performances over time reflect her adaptability and growth. In a team that struggles, Hocking stood out, and Bay FC prized her to bolster their roster.

University Roots: The Foundation of Success

Hocking's rise isn't an overnight story but has been built over many years of outstanding performances at the collegiate level. She had fantastic seasons at USC for four years and one at Penn State, playing 95 matches and scoring 61 goals while registering 33 assists during her college career.

Hocking scored 54 goals, making her the all-time leading scorer for the Trojans in her final season between 2018 and 2021 while at USC. Her stint gained her two-time All-American honors, which secured her as one of the premier forwards in college soccer. In 2022 at Penn State, she continued her brilliant trajectory, scoring seven goals and adding 11 assists to seal her accolades like All-Big Ten and First Team All-North Region.

This collegiate success of Hocking set the stage for her to shine in the NWSL with this capability of adapting, performing, and delivering the goods at every level.

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