The 2026 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season is set to kick off with a notable presence of Duke alumni, as 11 former Blue Devils lace up for various teams. This impressive representation highlights Duke's strength in developing top-tier talent ready for the professional stage.
Among the Duke standouts, Hannah Bebar and Tess Boade are showcasing their skills at Bay FC, while Michelle Cooper and Mary Long are key players for the Kansas City Current. Leah Freeman brings her talents to the San Diego Wave FC, and Maggie Graham joins forces with Kat Rader at the Houston Dash.
Ella Hase is set to make an impact with Racing Louisville FC, and Carina Lageyre takes the field for Angel City FC. Devin Lynch will be representing the Denver Summit FC, and Ella Stevens is ready to shine with Boston Legacy FC.
Notably, Duke is one of just seven NCAA Division I programs boasting 11 or more players in the NWSL this season, underscoring their program's excellence.
Rookies Lageyre, Lynch, and Rader are stepping onto the professional scene after leading Duke to consecutive NCAA College Cup appearances. Meanwhile, Long and Cooper are on the mend from injuries, with Long sidelined at the start of the season.
The action kicks off with Stevens and the Boston Legacy taking on Gotham FC, broadcast live on ABC. Later, Cooper, Long, and the Current face the Utah Royals, while Bebar, Boade, and Bay FC match up against Lynch and the Denver Summit, both airing on ION.
Saturday's lineup continues with Hase and Racing Louisville clashing with the NC Courage, live on NWSL+. The evening wraps up with a showdown as Freeman and the San Diego Wave battle Graham, Rader, and the Houston Dash, also on ION.
To cap off the weekend, Lageyre and Angel City will challenge the Chicago Stars on Sunday, broadcast on Victory+.
In recent years, Duke head coach Kieran Hall has been instrumental in propelling eight players into the NWSL, a testament to the program's strength and Hall's leadership. As the season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching these former Blue Devils make their mark on the league.