Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley McCutcheon.
Hi Haley, can you introduce yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Overland Park, Kansas – a large suburb outside of Kansas City. It was there that I discovered my passion for football! My older sister started playing, and I wanted to be like her. Quickly, my weekends became filled with soccer tournaments, and I loved every second! As a child, my love for the game led me to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I received a full-ride scholarship. My 4 years at Nebraska were a time of great development, and I truly fell in love with the process of getting better each day. When it came time to decide my next steps, I entered my name into the 2018 NWSL College Draft, where I was selected 7th overall and joined the Houston Dash. Throughout my career, I have made multiple appearances with the Under 23 USWNT, and during my rookie season, I received my first cap with the full USWNT. I remained with the Dash until 2022 when I was traded to the Orlando Pride! I have loved every moment of my time as a Pride player, so much so that I just signed a new contract through 2026!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has undoubtedly been a challenging road! My journey has had countless setbacks and disappointments; that is just the nature of sport. I make numerous mistakes every practice and game! It is a very harsh reality to face – that’s why having a growth mindset and giving yourself grace is so important. Another struggle I have faced in my career is managing the highs and lows of being a professional athlete – when you win, it feels like all your hard work has paid off. You are content. But when you lose, sometimes it can feel as if your world is crumbling! Putting so much of yourself into your work is devastating when things don’t go your way. A fresh disappointment in my mind is that the Pride missed out on the playoffs in 2023 due to goal differential. I was devastated!
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional soccer player for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. I am a defender, right back specifically, so I ensure we do not get scored on. Occasionally, I get a little glory, but mostly, it’s getting stuck into tackles for me! I am most proud of being part of the world’s best professional women’s soccer league, which is paving the way for the next generation of young girls and giving them someone to look up to and something to strive for! I am a member of our NWSL Players Association and one of our team’s player representatives, of which I am very proud. Our Player’s Association has done much to improve and legitimize the player experience, setting current and future players up for success.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My husband and I (and our corgi Finn) absolutely love the Orlando area and feel at home here. It is such a special community of genuinely wonderful people! Also, Orlando Pride in 2024 is going to be unbelievable, and we want everybody to come and be a part of it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hayhanson
- Twitter: @hay_hanson
Image Credits
Jeremy Reper, Mark Thor
