(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list the photo credit as well.)
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
BY KENNEDY BROADWELL
PMG-MSN CORRESPONDENT
In 2023, Chloe Ricketts, a talented young soccer player from Dexter, Michigan, made history by becoming the youngest player to sign a professional contract in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) at just 15 years and 283 days old. She joined the Washington Spirit as the first player ever to sign under the NWSL's Under-18 Entry Mechanism, a program designed to bring more young talent into the league.
Before her professional debut, Ricketts had already made a name for herself in the USL W League with AFC Ann Arbor in 2022, where at just 14, she became the youngest goal scorer in the league’s history. Her standout performances caught the eye of top-tier clubs, leading to her historic signing with the Spirit.
In addition to her on-field success, Ricketts also made headlines off the pitch by becoming the youngest U.S. women’s soccer player to sign a multi-year endorsement deal with Adidas. This partnership marked the start of what promises to be a bright future both in soccer and sports marketing.
Ricketts’ rapid rise is a powerful reminder of how quickly the landscape of women’s soccer is evolving. Her success is not only a record-breaking achievement but also an inspiration for young athletes everywhere to believe in the possibilities of their dreams. Despite being just a teenager, Chloe Ricketts is already leaving her mark as a trailblazer in the world of women’s sports.
Her story shows how one young player from Michigan is changing the game for future generations of soccer stars. And she’s still going strong.
(Kennedy Broadwell is a freelance contributor to the Premier Media Group, Michigan Soccer Network and the National Soccer Network. She has worked in the Michigan, Ohio and Montana media circles for nearly a decade, serving as a TV personality, on-air host, in-game host, arena-host, freelance producer, color commentator, and freelance writer for various media outlets, TV stations and arena facilities. Broadwell, a multimedia journalist, can be reached at kennedybroadwell@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter/X @BroadwellK. For inquiries or to submit tidbits to the ‘Did You Know’ column, email Kennedy Broadwell at the above-listed email or contact PMG-MSN-NSN Web and Content Editor Dan Stickradt at dstickradt@thepremeirmediagrp.com or stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com.)
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK / NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/misoccernetwork
Twitter/X: @MiSoccerNetwork, @msn_stickradt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/misoccernetwork/
MSN YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/@MICHIGANSOCCERNETWORK
ROKU TV: The National Soccer Network (NSN) is available on Roku TV through the NSN Sports Network app.
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(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group, the Michigan Soccer Network and the National Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
WATCH THE MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK YOUTUBE CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/@MICHIGANSOCCERNETWORK
WATCH THE NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK
ROKU TV: The National Soccer Network (NSN) is available on Roku TV through the NSN Sports Network app.
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / Michigan Soccer Network / National Soccer Network
DID YOU KNOW? LINKS:
DID YOU KNOW: There was once a ‘Football War’: https://wix.to/Puy5jbp
DID YOU KNOW: Why Do Americans Call It "Soccer" Instead of "Football"?: https://wix.to/WxnRIRC
DID YOU KNOW: Soccer Is the Most Popular Sport in the World?
DID YOU KNOW: Soccer’s origins include wild medieval matches with no rules:
DID YOU KNOW: Some still can’t tell what offside really is out on the field:
DID YOU KNOW: It’s rare, but not impossible, to score an own goal off a cornerkick: https://wix.to/5o2lF1p
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INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
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Contact both Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner at 248-525-2083 or jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com and Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at (248) 525-2349 and dstickradt@thepremeiermediagrp.com.
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