By OkayGoal 
Riley Jackson is an emerging star in American women’s soccer, known for her exceptional skill and early professional success. The current NC Courage midfielder is on the rise locally and internationally. Let’s get to know her!
Youth Career
Jackson grew up in Roswell, Georgia, playing club soccer for ten years with Roswell Soccer Club. For ECNL, she joined Concorde Fire and was named the ECNL’s Southeast Conference Player of the Year in 2021. In 2022, her team won the national club title, while she was also named the ECNL National Player of the Year. Her high school career was also incredibly successful, and she was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year.
NWSL Draft
In 2023, at the age of 17, Jackson was drafted by the North Carolina Courage as a midfielder. While previously committed to Duke University, Jackson was drafted through the NWSL’s Under-18 Entry Mechanism, with a contract through 2025. Her debut was on March 16, 2024, against the Houston Dash. Since then, she has become a reliable player for the team, recently scoring an equalizer against Racing Louisville in the spring.
National Team
Jackson had her first USYNT call-up for the U-15 team in 2019. She then became a consistent call-up and played in the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship, co-captaining the team, scoring two goals, and making three assists. Jackson was additionally awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. She also played in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, helping the team finish in third place. Most recently, Jackson was called up to practice with the senior national team in January 2025.
Image via @riley.jackson8
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