What the NC Courage gained by adding U.S. Women’s National Team soccer player Jaedyn Shaw
The North Carolina Courage made waves in the NWSL with the acquisition of U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Jaedyn Shaw.
The 20-year-old rising international star — who has already scored eight goals in 21 caps since her debut with the senior USWNT team in 2023 — joins the Courage from San Diego Wave FC in a blockbuster trade announced Tuesday.
Here’s what you should know:
What are the trade details?
Courage receive: Jaedyn Shaw
Wave receive:
▪ $300,000 in allocation money
▪ An international roster spot for the 2025 and 2026 NWSL seasons
▪ $150,000 in intraleague transfer fees
▪ Up to $75,000 in conditional 2025 allocation money based on performance
Why does this matter?
Shaw has already made a name for herself as a young phenom on the rise:
▪ International success: 2024 Olympic gold medalist. Earned the Golden Ball as the best player in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup.
▪ NWSL impact: 13 goals and 4 assists in just over 3,000 minutes (three seasons) with the Wave. She helped San Diego win the NWSL Shield (awarded annually to the team with the best regular-season record) and was named to the league’s Best XI in 2023.
▪ Courage’s attack gets a major boost: The Courage needed firepower. The team scored 34 goals in 26 games last season, which ranks last amongst the league’s top six teams. With Shaw joining Brazilian star Kerolin and midfielder Ashley Sanchez, the 2025 season could bring an offensive revival to Cary.
What they’re saying
Jaedyn Shaw“I am so grateful to be here and to call North Carolina home. I’m excited to experience a new style of play and to learn and grow alongside amazing players and coaches. I can’t wait to get to work and help bring another championship to Courage Country.”
Sean Nahas, Courage head coach“Bringing Jaedyn here is a great day for our club. She is someone who has every tool at such a young age and will be a key part of our club. Her quality on the ball, both in possession and on the dribble, along with her levels in and around the box can unlock opposition. She suits our style of play and our supporters will be able to see one of the top young talents every week. We can’t wait to welcome this truly gifted player and even better person to our team.”
What’s next?
Shaw will join the USWNT in Florida for their January training camp before reporting to the Courage’s preseason camp.
With the potential re-signing of former NWSL MVP Kerolin, the Courage could field one of the league’s most dynamic and exciting attacking trios in 2025. Kerolin missed most of the 2024 season due to injury. She is now a free agent and her next move is uncertain.
Shaw is not just a player for today, but a key building block for the future of the Courage in particular, and U.S. women’s soccer as a whole.