Wikipedia

Carson Pickett

Carson Leighann Pickett (born September 15, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left back for the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She is an advocate for limb difference awareness and was born without a left forearm and hand.

Carson Pickett
Pickett with Racing Louisville in 2024
Personal information
Full name Carson Leighann Pickett[1]
Date of birth (1993-09-15) September 15, 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Position(s) Left back
Team information
Current team
 Orlando Pride
Number 19
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2015 Florida State Seminoles 103 (7)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2017 Seattle Reign FC 36 (0)
2017–2020 → Brisbane Roar (loan) 35 (6)
2018–2020 Orlando Pride 39 (0)
2020 → Apollon Ladies (loan) 0 (0)
2021–2022 North Carolina Courage 44 (1)
2023–2024 Racing Louisville FC 36 (1)
2024– Orlando Pride 7 (1)
International career‡
2010 United States U-17
2015 United States U-23
2022– United States 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of November 4, 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of October 11, 2022

Pickett played college soccer for the Florida State Seminoles before being drafted by Seattle Reign FC in 2016. She received NWSL Best XI honors twice while playing for the North Carolina Courage in 2021 and 2022. Pickett has also played for the NWSL's Racing Louisville FC and the Australian club Brisbane Roar FC. She made two appearances for the United States national team in 2022.

Early life

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Raised in Fleming Island on the northeastern coast of Florida near Jacksonville, Pickett attended St. Johns Country Day School and won 3 state championships with the soccer team.[2][3][4][5] In 2012, she was named Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year for the state of Florida,[6] and 2012, Florida Times-Union First Coast Player of the Year.[7] Pickett was born without a left forearm and hand, a fact many reporters have highlighted throughout her career.[8] Her condition was the subject of a viral Instagram photo during the 2019 season. The photo showed her "fist-bumping" a 2-year-old boy who was also born without a left forearm and hand, with both using their left arms to do so.[9]

College career

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Florida State Seminoles, 2012–2015

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Pickett with the Seminoles in 2013

Pickett attended Florida State University from 2012 to 2015, where she played soccer for the Florida State Seminoles and was a four-year starting defender.[2] In 2014, she led the Seminoles to their first NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship anchoring a defense that allowed no goals throughout the tournament.[10][11]

Professional career

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Seattle Reign FC, 2016–2017

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Pickett was selected by Seattle Reign FC as the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NWSL College Draft.[12] Of the selection, Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey said, "Pickett is a player that we have been tracking closely for a long time. We were hoping she would still be available with our pick in the first round, so the choice to select her was an easy one. We think she will be a valuable addition to our squad during the upcoming season."[13] She made her debut for the club during its season opener against Sky Blue FC on April 17.[14]

Loans to Brisbane Roar

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In October 2017, Pickett was loaned to Brisbane Roar for the 2017–18 W-League.[15] She scored her first professional goal on November 10, 2017, in the Roar's 1–0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.[16]

She returned for second and third loan spells during the 2018–19 W-League and 2019–20 W-League seasons.[17][18] On February 23, 2020, Pickett had her first career multi-goal game when she scored twice in a 5–0 win over Canberra United.[19] Pickett was named as the team's player of the year for the 2019–20 season.[20]

Orlando Pride, 2018–2020

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In January 2018, Pickett and Christine Nairn were acquired by the Orlando Pride in a trade that sent Steph Catley to Seattle.[21] Pickett played in nineteen of twenty-four matches (including sixteen starts) for an Orlando side that finished seventh in the league.[22][23]

In March 2020, the impending NWSL season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. An eventual restart was made through a smaller schedule 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup tournament.[24][25] However, on June 22, Orlando withdrew from the tournament following positive COVID-19 tests among both players and staff.[26]

Loan to Apollon Ladies, 2020

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In August, having been unable to feature for Orlando Pride, Pickett moved to Cypriot First Division club Apollon Ladies on loan until November.[27] She never made an appearance for the team.

North Carolina Courage, 2021–2022

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On February 4, 2021, North Carolina Courage acquired Pickett in a trade with Orlando in exchange for the playing rights to Jodie Taylor.[28] Over her two years with North Carolina, Pickett contributed 11 assists, including an NWSL-leading six in 2022. She was twice named to the NWSL Best XI and nominated for NWSL Defender of the Year during her time at North Carolina.[29][30]

Racing Louisville, 2023–2024

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In January 2023, Racing Louisville FC acquired Pickett and fellow North Carolina Courage defender Abby Erceg in exchange for Emily Fox.[31] Pickett signed a three-year contract with Racing through the 2025 season.[32]

Orlando Pride, 2024–

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Pickett returned to the Orlando Pride on August 16, 2024, in a trade for $75,000 in allocation funds to Louisville.[33]

International

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Pickett has represented the United States on the under-17[34] and under-23 national teams.[35]

On June 28, 2022, she made her debut for the United States national team against Colombia, becoming the first player with a limb difference to play for the USWNT.[36][37]

Advocacy

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In recent years, Pickett has become a significant advocate for limb difference awareness. In a 2020 interview for CBSSports.com, Pickett said,

Ever since I got to the pros and seeing how many amazing messages I get sent about how I inspire people, some who aren't even soccer players... [Seeing that] just showed me that I can do so much more than just be a good soccer player, and that I could advocate for something much bigger than soccer.[38]

She worked with Nike to develop the Phantom GT Academy FlyEase boots, designed with a fold-down heel and a wraparound strap closure in place of laces. In the aforementioned interview, she added,

Honestly, my first reaction when I saw the Phantom GT FlyEase was relief. I thought about my younger self and what it would have meant for me if something like this existed when I was growing up. I feel like this boot represents me and anybody else who is unique. FlyEase is very easy for anybody to put on quickly, which I love.[38]

Personal life

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Pickett was previously in a relationship with Racing Louisville FC teammate and former New Zealand international Abby Erceg.[39]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of November 7, 2021[40][41]
Club League Season League Playoffs Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Seattle Reign FC NWSL 2016 15 0 — 15 0
2017 21 0 — 21 0
Total 36 0 0 0 0 0 36 0
Orlando Pride NWSL 2018 19 0 — 19 0
2019 20 0 — 20 0
Total 39 0 0 0 0 0 39 0
Brisbane Roar (loan) W-League 2017–18 12 1 1 0 — 13 1
2018–19 12 2 1 0 — 13 2
2019–20 11 3 — 11 3
Total 35 6 2 0 0 0 37 6
North Carolina Courage NWSL 2021 24 0 1 0 4 0 29 0
Total 24 0 1 0 4 0 29 0
Career total 134 6 3 0 4 0 141 6

International

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As of match played October 11, 2022
National Team Year Apps Goals Assists
United States 2022 2 0 0
Total 2 0 0

Honors

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Orlando Pride

Individual

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "National team roster – 2022 Concacaf W Championship: USA" (PDF). CONCACAF. June 8, 2022. p. 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Carson Pickett". Florida State University. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  3. ^ Miller, Brian (July 14, 2015). "FSU's Carson Pickett: Attitude key to overcoming disabilities". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  4. ^ Hays, Graham (September 29, 2012). "Attitude sets FSU's Carson Pickett apart". ESPN. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  5. ^ Woods, Mark (October 29, 2011). "First Coast soccer player with disability still flying toward her goal". The Florida Times Union. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  6. ^ Rohrbach, Ben (May 22, 2012). "Florida Girls POY: Carson Pickett". ESPN. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  7. ^ King, Francine (April 10, 2012). "All-First Coast Girls Soccer: Carson Pickett's charges often found back of net". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  8. ^ "For Seattle Reign rookie Carson Pickett, first glance may be deceiving". The Seattle Times. April 15, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  9. ^ Pedersen, Joe Mario (July 23, 2019). "'Lucky fin' fist bump with Orlando Pride player goes viral". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  10. ^ "Reign Add Left Back, Defensive Depth in 2016 NWSL Draft". Sounder at Heart. January 15, 2016. Archived from the original on May 16, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  11. ^ Hays, Graham (August 19, 2015). "FSU's Carson Pickett The Picture Of Determination". ESPN. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  12. ^ "Florida State defender Carson Pickett headlines Seattle Reign 2016 NWSL Draft class". The Seattle Times. January 15, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  13. ^ "SEATTLE SELECTS CARSON PICKETT 4th OVERALL IN THE 2016 NWSL COLLEGE DRAFT". Seattle Reign FC. January 15, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  14. ^ Ruiz, Don (April 17, 2016). "Reign opens season with surprising loss". The News Tribune. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  15. ^ "Roar Women add talented American duo". Brisbane Roar. October 21, 2017. Archived from the original on October 22, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  16. ^ "Brisbane Roar edge Wanderers thanks to Pickett goal". Westfield W-League. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  17. ^ "Carson Pickett". Brisbane Roar. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  18. ^ "Pickett returns for third season in Brisbane orange". Brisbane Roar FC. November 2019.
  19. ^ "Roar smash Canberra to keep alive top four hopes". Westfield W-League. Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  20. ^ "Gillesphey is Brisbane's best". NewsComAu. September 16, 2020.
  21. ^ "Pride Bolster Roster in Trades for Christine Nairn, Carson Pickett and Haley Kopmeyer". Orlando City SC. January 29, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  22. ^ "Carson Pickett". NWSL Soccer. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  23. ^ "2018 Standings". NWSL Soccer. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  24. ^ "NWSL, CPL delay start of 2020 seasons due to Covid-19". SportBusiness. March 21, 2020.
  25. ^ "NWSL announces 2020 Challenge Cup presented by P&G and Secret". www.nwslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  26. ^ "Orlando Pride Statement Regarding 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Participation". www.orlandocitysc.com.
  27. ^ "Pride Defenders Alanna Kennedy, Shelina Zadorsky Loaned to Tottenham, Carson Pickett to Apollon Ladies FC". www.orlandocitysc.com.
  28. ^ "Orlando Pride Acquire Rights to English International Jodie Taylor from North Carolina". www.orlandocitysc.com.
  29. ^ Hruby, Emma (November 16, 2021). "Gotham FC's Caprice Dydasco Named NWSL Defender of the Year". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  30. ^ Lauletta, Dan (October 27, 2022). "Naomi Girma named 2022 NWSL Defender of the Year". The Equalizer. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  31. ^ "Racing adds all-league talents Erceg, Pickett via trade". Racing Louisville FC. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  32. ^ "Pickett signs new multi-year contract with Racing Louisville". Racing Louisville FC. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  33. ^ "Defender Carson Pickett returns to Orlando Pride following trade with Racing Louisville". Orlando Pride. August 16, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  34. ^ "U.S. U-17 WNT DEFEAT GERMANY U-16S 2–1 IN SUNRISE, FLA". United States Soccer Federation. February 2, 2010. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  35. ^ "THREE GATORS HEAD TO NORWAY WITH U.S. U-23 NATIONAL TEAM FOR FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT". University of Florida. May 22, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  36. ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Downs Colombia 2-0 in Final Preparation Match Ahead of 2022 Concacaf W Championship".
  37. ^ "Carson Pickett becomes first player with limb difference to play for USWNT". TheGuardian.com. June 29, 2022.
  38. ^ a b Herrera, Sandra (August 3, 2020). "How Carson Pickett teamed up with Nike to create one of the world's most accessible soccer cleats". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  39. ^ "Shocked and disappointed: Former Football Ferns star Abby Erceg and partner traded from North Carolina Courage". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  40. ^ "Carson Pickett profile". Soccerway. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  41. ^ "Carson Pickett Stats, Goals, Records, Assists, Cups and more". FBref. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  42. ^ Freeman, Clayton (November 25, 2024). "Champions: Locals Carson Pickett, Morgan Gautrat win NWSL championship with Orlando". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  43. ^ NWSL (October 7, 2024). "Orlando Pride Claims 2024 NWSL Shield". NWSL. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  44. ^ Rantz, Susie (November 17, 2021). "Three OL Reign players named to NWSL Best XI". Sounder at Heart. Archived from the original on October 8, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  45. ^ "NWSL Announces Winners of Mastercard Best XI Awards". NWSL Soccer. November 3, 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
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