The Orlando Pride is further constructing its future base, and extending the contract of Cori Dyke up to 2027 is a strong point in that direction. The defender, who was signed by the team as the 22nd overall draft pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, impressed everyone with her rookie season and was an important player in the team. With this extension of her contract, Dyke remains a part of the Pride's future plans for the next couple of years.
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Cori Dyke's extension contract
Club management has indicated the importance the club attaches to Cori Dyke. "Cori has consistently shown that she is an asset on and off the field since joining Pride, and we are delighted that her future remains at the club," said Haley Carter, vice president and sporting director of Orlando Pride.
Along with holding on to a skilled player, this extension strengthens the team's backline. "Along with her technical skills, Cori is the culture and work ethic that we're looking for. This extension is a reflection of the work and commitment she gives this organization daily," Carter said.
What has Dyke already proven in the NWSL?
During the 2024 season, Cori Dyke played for the Pride in 26 games, with a single assist and being a central figure in the team's defense solidity. For 12 matches, the team achieved a clean sheet, with the NWSL Championship final against Washington Spirit being one, where Dyke started and remained on the pitch for the whole 90 minutes.
Her statistics demonstrate the trust in her from the coaching staff. It does not happen that a rookie performs that consistently for a team playing near the top of the league, and Dyke did not disappoint. Now that her contract is extended, she is in the spotlight regarding further development and support to the team.
Her road before she turned pro
Before she joined the NWSL, Dyke had a distinguished college career at Penn State University. She played 108 games, all of which were as a starter, with nine goals and nine assists. She was voted Big Ten Defender of the Year in 2023, closing out a successful college soccer career. She was also selected as a preseason standout player for the Big Ten, further solidifying her reputation as a consistent and elite-level player.
Internationally, Dyke has worked with the U.S. Women's National Team at the youth levels of U-14 to U-23. She was also part of the U-19 team that won the CFA Tournament in 2017. These experiences at the top level made her entry into professional soccer easy.