The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) defending champions, Gotham FC, strengthened their attacking depth late last month with the announcement that they had signed Florida State University forward Jordynn Dudley to a professional contract. The 21-year-old Milton, Georgia, native enters the league with one of the most accomplished collegiate resumes in recent women’s soccer history.
“I am so excited to join a championship-caliber organization like Gottham FC with a history of success,” said Dudley via the team. “I know this environment will push my development every day…”
Gotham plays their home games on the pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, roughly 13 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
Dudley is a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, helping lead Florida State to national titles in 2023 and 2025. A consistent presence in high-pressure moments, she played a central role in one of the most dominant stretches the Seminoles program has seen in the modern era.
Her individual accolades reflect that impact. Dudley earned United Soccer Coaches All-America honors in three consecutive seasons from 2023 through 2025, becoming the first player in Florida State women’s soccer history to receive the distinction three times. She was also a three-time MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and a finalist for the award in 2025, which recognizes the top collegiate soccer player in the United States. That same year, Dudley was named a TopDrawerSoccer National Player of the Year finalist, further cementing her standing as one of the elite players in the college game.
During her junior season, she posted 11 goals and 14 assists, totaling 36 points while leading Florida State in assists and overall points. Her ability to create chances, finish in the final third, and dictate tempo in the attacking phase made her one of the most complete forwards in college soccer.
Her success has extended well beyond the collegiate level. Dudley played a key role for the United States at the 2024 FIFA U 20 Women’s World Cup, helping the team secure a third-place finish. She made five appearances and two starts during the tournament, scoring two goals in pivotal moments. Dudley delivered a dramatic 98th-minute goal to spark a comeback victory over Germany in the quarterfinals and later scored the extra-time winner against Mexico in the round of 16, showcasing her composure and decisiveness on the international stage.
At Gotham FC, Dudley joins a growing core of young attacking talent, including Jaedyn Shaw, whose arrival has already reshaped the club’s offensive identity. As Dudley adapts to the professional game and continues to develop within Gotham’s system, the pairing of Dudley and Shaw has the potential to become the club’s premier attacking option and a defining force in the NWSL.
Dudley’s signing also arrives during a pivotal moment in women’s professional soccer. The league continues to expand in visibility, investment, and influence, highlighted recently by Trinity Rodman signing a historic $2 million contract with the Washington Spirit. As the sport grows, the impact of Black women’s soccer players continues to shape the league’s present and future in powerful ways that will be felt for generations.
For Gotham FC, bringing in Jordynn Dudley is about more than reinforcing a championship roster. As the club gears up for another strong 2026 NWSL season, it appears to have all of the ingredients needed to push for back-to-back titles.