At 18 years old, Chloe Ricketts has already done what most players spend their entire careers dreaming of. She’s made her professional debut, scored in front of thousands, lifted a trophy, and made history—more than once. Ricketts, a midfielder from Dexter, Michigan, became the youngest player to ever sign a contract in the NWSL when she joined the Washington Spirit in early 2023. She was just 15. Since then, she’s earned regular minutes, scored her first professional goal in a Challenge Cup match, and played a key role in helping the Spirit win the 2025 Challenge Cup Final—becoming the youngest player to ever start in a league final. Alongside her club success, she’s moved quickly through the U.S. Youth National Team system, now representing the U-20s in international competition. Technically gifted, confident on the ball, and relentless in transition, she’s become one of the most talked-about young players in the country.

“I Just Felt Pure Joy”: Chloe Ricketts on Her First Goal, National Team Dreams, and Life as a Young Pro

Chloe Ricketts has been in the spotlight since the moment she signed her first professional contract at just 15 years old. Now, a few seasons into her pro journey with the Washington Spirit, she’s already made history—becoming the youngest player to score in an NWSL match, representing the U.S. on the youth national team stage, and starting in a major cup final before her 18th birthday. In this interview, Ricketts opens up about the moment she scored her first professional goal, the grind of balancing a pro career with everyday teenage life, and the advice she’d give to the next wave of young players chasing big dreams. Scoring your first professional goal must’ve been an unforgettable moment. We asked Ricketts to walk us through that experience and what it meant to you? “It was surreal. The moment the ball hit the back of the net, everything kinda froze for a second. I just felt pure joy. I’d worked so hard for that moment, and to have it happen so early in my career, it just reminded me why I love this game. It meant everything to me, but also to everyone who’s believed in me and helped me get here.”

Ricketts has also benefited from the youth national team. In fact, she has been a key part multiple age groups on the youth side, we asked: what experiences do you take from that, and how can those experiences help you in your career? “Playing with the Youth National Teams has helped me grow so much, both technically and mentally. You’re competing against the best players in the country, and sometimes the world, so the standards are high every single day. It taught me how to adapt quickly, take in information fast, and stay composed under pressure. Those experiences translate directly to the NWSL. It’s helped me not only understand the game better, but also how to carry myself at a professional level.”

Ricketts maintains her dedication to the grind through think and thin. Here is how she described a typical day for herself while being a top professional: “A normal week is pretty structured, training most mornings, gym sessions a few times a week, recovery, team meetings, and then games on the weekends. It’s a full schedule, and recovery is just as important as training. Balancing being a teenager with being a pro isn’t easy, I’ve definitely had to grow up fast. But I still try to make time for things I enjoy, like chilling with my dog or listening to music. It’s all about finding those little moments to stay grounded.” Ricketts also understands her influence on the next generation. She gave her take on how younger players can improve their game: “Be consistent with your work, and stay true to your love for the game. There will be ups and downs, but if you stay focused and keep pushing, the right opportunities will come. And don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, everyone moves at their own pace. The most important thing is to believe in yourself even when it’s hard.” As for her career moving forward, Ricketts touched on some of her goals moving forward in her career: “Short term, I want to keep improving every day, whether it’s my decision-making, speed of play, or overall impact on the field. Long term, my goal is to represent the full USWNT and compete in a World Cup and the Olympics. But beyond that, I want to be one of the best players in the world. That’s what I’m chasing every single day.”

As Chloe Ricketts continues to grow on and off the field, her mindset remains grounded in hard work, self-belief, and a genuine love for the game. She’s already inspired a new generation of young athletes by showing what’s possible with talent, discipline, and courage—and she’s far from finished. Whether it’s scoring goals in the NWSL or chasing dreams with the U.S. national team, Ricketts is focused, fearless, and ready for whatever comes next.