Mallory Swanson

Mallory Pugh Swanson was born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and started playing soccer at age four. With her older sister as her inspiration, she started her early career with Real Colorado. In 2011, Swanson started her United States Youth National Team career by attending her first training camp with the U-14 girls team. From that point on, she was a mainstay in the US Youth National Team system, being named the 2015 U.S Soccer Young Female Player of the Year and playing in the 2016 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Following a successful run with the U-20’s, Swanson received her first call up to the senior national team to attend the January 2016 camp.

Shortly thereafter, she earned her first cap for the senior team during a friendly against Ireland and became the youngest to appear for the US since 2002. Later that year, she was named to the 18-player roster and represented the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games. Swanson made her Olympic debut, scoring in the 59th minute to become the youngest United States player to score a goal in the Olympics. In 2024, she represented the United States at the Paris Games and brought home a gold medal.

In 2017, Swanson decided to leave UCLA to turn professional and signed with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL in May of that year. Swanson scored six goals in her rookie season and was named a finalist for NWSL Rookie of the Year. In 2020, she was traded from the Spirit to the New Jersey Sky Blue. After a shortened season with Sky Blue, she was traded to the Chicago Red Stars, where she has played since 2021.

In 2019, Swanson helped the USWNT win a World Cup title and notched her first World Cup goal against Thailand. Swanson now has 88 appearances, 32 goals and 27 assists with the USWNT.

In December 2022, Mallory married her husband Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs shortstop and MLB All-Star. Outside of soccer, Mallory enjoys spending time with friends and family, interior design, cooking, hiking, and trying new coffee shops. Mallory is very strong in her faith and uses her platform to express herself.