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NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Chicago Stars FC Release Preseason Roster

January 27, 2025 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


CHICAGO - The Chicago Stars FC announced today the team's preseason roster as the Stars kick off preparations for the 2025 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Season. Keeping the core of the 2024 roster together, the Stars begin training camp with 22 players from last season returning for 2025.

Over the offseason, the Stars re-signed defender, Camryn Biegalski, and forwards, Sarah Griffith and Nádia Gomes, and signed goalkeeper, Halle Mackiewicz, midfielders, Maitane and Manaka Hayashi, and forward Micayla Johnson. Mackiewicz joins the club from Swedish side, Trelleborgs FF, where the goalkeeper played and started in 10 matches. Maitane joins the Stars from New Jersey/New York Gotham FC where the midfielder spent two seasons and helped Gotham win the 2023 NWSL Championship. Manaka Hayashi, captain of the Japanese Under-20 Women's Youth National Team, comes to Chicago after leading Japan to runners-up titles in both the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and 2024 Asian Football Confederation U-20 Women's Asian Cup. Chicago's most recent signing, Micayla Johnson, is the first youth player the club has ever signed. Johnson was part of the under-17 United States Youth National Team that took home third place at the U-17 World Cup.

The Chicago Stars also invited seven non-rostered invitees to preseason training camp: Cathrine Barry (University of South Carolina), Justina Gaynor (Michigan State), Peyton McNamara (Ohio State), Sydney Schneider (Unattached), Macy Schultz (University of Arkansas), Stephanie Sparkowski (University of Michigan) and Dasia Torbert (University of Georgia).

The club will begin preseason with 30 players. Micayla Johnson was recently called up to join the United States Under-17 Youth National Team for January camp and will rejoin the Stars following the national team's training camp.

Forward, Mallory Swanson, informed the club that, due to personal reasons, she will not be joining the team for the start of training camp. Club leadership has been in contact with Swanson and are fully supportive of her decision.

"I'd like to thank the club and the fans for their understanding during this time. I appreciate the kindness and encouragement from my teammates and all the Stars staff and hope to be back with the team and playing in front of our fans as soon as I can," said Swanson.

As always, the Chicago Stars organization stands ready to provide Mallory whatever support she needs, both on and off the pitch, and we will be ready to welcome her back with open arms whenever she is ready to return.

The Chicago Stars kick off preseason training in Chicago before traveling to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, ahead of the 2025 NWSL season. The Stars face the Orlando Pride, Friday March 14, to start the season before returning to Chicago for a two match homestand against the Houston Dash, March 23, followed by Racing Louisville FC, March 30. Fans can secure season ticket memberships for the 2025 season by visiting chicagostars.com/tickets.

Below is the Chicago Stars' preseason roster broken up by position:

Goalkeepers (5): Halle Mackiewicz, Alyssa Naeher, Sydney Schneider (NRI), Stephanie Sparkowski (NRI), Mackenzie Wood

Defenders (5): Hannah Anderson, Camryn Biegalski, Natalia Kuikka (INTL), Taylor Malham, Sam Staab (SEI)

Midfielders (11): Chardonnay Curran, Bea Franklin, Justina Gaynor (NRI), Shea Groom, Julia Grosso, Manaka Hayashi (INTL), Maitane (INTL), Peyton McNamara (NRI), Leilanni Nesbeth, Cari Roccaro, Dasia Torbert (NRI)

Forwards (11): Cathrine Barry (NRI), Jenna Bike, Ava Cook (SEI), Nádia Gomes (INTL), Sarah Griffith, Micayla Johnson (NYR) Jameese Joseph, Ludmila (INTL), Ally Schlegel, Macy Schultz (NRI), Mallory Swanson (NYR)

Key:

INTL - Denotes International Player

NRI - Non-roster Invitee

NYR - Not Yet Reported

SEI - Season-Ending Injury

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