ORLANDO, Fla. (July 11, 2024) — The Orlando Pride and Summer Yates have agreed to a new contract that will keep the forward in Orlando through the 2025 season, with a mutual option for 2026, it was announced today.
“Summer’s growth over the last season has been evident, and her contributions on the field this year are a clear result of the work and dedication she has put into both herself and the team. She is incredibly deserving of this new contract, and we are thrilled to reward her with it,” said Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter. “We’re excited to see what Summer will achieve over her career here in Orlando, and thankful to have her as part of our Club for the foreseeable future.”
“I am so honored to be staying in Orlando! From day one, this organization has believed in me and helped me develop my game in so many ways,” Yates said. “This team is so special, and I am grateful that I get to continue to be a part of it. Vamos Pride!”
Yates has appeared in 31 matches, scored four goals and earned two assists across all competitions since being drafted by the Pride. The midfielder made her professional debut on March 26, coming on as a second half substitute for Marta in the Pride’s 2023 season opener, with her two assists later coming during the 2023 UKG Challange Cup.
In 2024, Yates has played in all but one match for the Pride and has found the back of the net four times, which is the third most goals scored by a Pride player so far this year. Two of her four goals served as game winners in back-to-back matches for the Pride. The first came at home against the San Diego Wave and the second was a finish from the penalty spot on the road against the Washington Spirit. Her first professional goal was scored in the 86th minute of the Pride’s 2024 season opener and completed a two-goal comeback on the road against Racing Louisville.
Yates was drafted No. 39 overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft out of the University of Washington after appearing in 93 games, 86 of which were starts, scoring 27 goals along with 23 assists during her five-year collegiate career. Yates earned All-Pac 12 selections in four of her five years while with the Huskies, along with United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team honors, also landing on the All-Pacific Region Team twice. In 2022, she led the Huskies with seven goals, six assists and 20 points, starting all 19 matches for the side.
On the international stage, Yates has appeared for the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team, leading the side to the 2020 U20 Concacaf Championship.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs forward Summer Yates to a two-year contract through the 2025 season, with a mutual option for 2026.
