ORLANDO, Fla. (March 14, 2023) — The Orlando Pride and midfielder Mikayla Cluff have agreed to a new, three-year contract, signing the player through the 2025 NWSL season, it was announced today. Cluff was drafted by the Pride in the second round, No. 14 overall, in the 2021 NWSL Draft.
“Kayla had a strong rookie season for us last year and we are so excited to be able to keep her here with the Pride for the foreseeable future,” VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said. “She is a versatile attacker with an eye for goal, she’s not afraid to take on defenders directly, and she can use her vision to create plays from midfield. We are thrilled for her as she plays a vital role in our organization and we look forward to her continued development as a player and person here in Orlando.”
After choosing to spend an extra season in college after being drafted, Cluff made her NWSL debut in March 2022 the Pride’s Challenge Cup opener against Washington Spirit.
In her rookie season, the Layton, Utah, native appeared in 24 games throughout all competitions and found the back of the net twice for the Pride. The midfielder scored her first professional goal, which served as the game-winner for the Pride, on May 18 at North Carolina against the Courage.
“I think there’s something really special forming in Orlando and it’s just the beginning. I was super excited when the opportunity came for me to stick around a bit longer and be a part of this Club,” said Cluff. “Our goal is to bring Orlando the NWSL Championship, and I will work my very hardest every day to make that happen!”
Cluff played collegiately at Brigham Young University and finished her career with 53 goals and 93 games played, all of which were starts. She finished her college career with the Cougars as one of the most decorated players in BYU history. Cluff was also a three-time United Soccer Coaches All-American first-team selection, three-time WCC player of the year, and four-time All-WCC player of the year during her time in Provo. She ended her career as a finalist for the 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy, given to the top player in college soccer.
During the 2021 campaign at BYU, Cluff netted 18 goals and led the Cougars to the 2021 Women’s College Cup national championship against Florida State University where the Cougars finished as runner-up after the match went to penalty kicks.
At the international level, Cluff has been named to training camps for U-17 U.S. Women’s Nation Team in Carson in 2016 and for U-23 USWNT training camp in Austin in 2022.
The Pride open their 2023 season on the road, traveling to face Portland Thorns FC on March 26. The home season will begin on April 2, with Angel City FC coming to Exploria Stadium for a 5:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets for that match and Season Ticket Memberships are available at the link here.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs Midfielder Mikayla Cluff to a three-year contract through the 2025 season.
