Quick Facts

Sport: Soccer
Position: Forward
College Team: UCLA Bruins (2017, one semester before turning pro)
Coach: Lorne Donaldson (Current Club), Emma Hayes

Biographical Information

Mallory Swanson is an American soccer player known for her speed, agility and goal-scoring ability. She burst onto the scene at a young age, quickly becoming one of the most promising talents in U.S. women’s soccer. Swanson’s attacking prowess and dynamic play have made her a key figure for both club and country.

Olympic History

Swanson made her Olympic debut at the age of 18 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Despite her youth, she played a significant role for the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Paris 2024 Olympic Games:
- Result: Gold medal
- Swanson made the game-winning goal in the 57th minute against Brazil
- Swanson scored goals against Zambia and Germany in the group stage

Rio 2016 Olympic Games:
- Result: Quarterfinals
- Swanson became the youngest American player to score a goal in the Olympics when she found the back of the net against Colombia in the group stage

Professional Career

Swanson’s professional career has been marked by her rapid rise and consistent performances at the club level and for the senior national team:

2017-2019: Washington Spirit (NWSL)

Swanson signed with the Washington Spirit straight out of high school, becoming one of the youngest players in NWSL history. She made an immediate impact, scoring on her debut and quickly establishing herself as a key player. She scored 6 goals in her rookie season.

During this time, Swanson played in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping the U.S. Women’s National Team win the tournament.

Teenage national team stats:

First in all-time assists before the age of 20 (12 assists)
Second in all-time starts before the age of 20 (27 starts)
Second in all-time caps before the age of 20 (35 caps)
Tied for third all-time goals before the age of 20 (11 goals)

2020: Sky Blue FC (now NJ/NY Gotham FC) (NWSL)

Traded to Sky Blue FC, she continued to develop her game and contribute significantly to the team’s attacking efforts.

2021-Present: Chicago Red Stars (NWSL)

Swanson joined the Chicago Red Stars and has been a standout performer, consistently leading the team in goals and assists. Her dynamic play and leadership on the field have been crucial to the Red Stars' success.

Personal Life

Swanson was born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where she developed her love for soccer from an early age. Her decision to forgo college soccer after a brief stint at the University of California, Los Angeles to turn professional was a significant moment in her career. Off the field, Swanson is known for her involvement in community service and her dedication to inspiring the next generation of soccer players.

Early Career

Swanson made her debut for the U.S. Women’s National Team at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player in over a decade to do so. Her performances in youth competitions include leading the U.S. U-20 team to the 2015 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship.

Olympic Experience

2-time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist (1 gold)
- Olympic Games Paris, 2024, gold (Team - Women)
- Olympic Games Rio 2016, 5th (Team - Women)

World Championships Experience

Most recent: 2019 – gold (Team - Women)
Years of participation: Team - Women 2019
Medals: 1 (1 gold)
- Gold – 2019 (Team - Women)

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Hometown

Education

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