ORLANDO, Fla. (March 7, 2023) — The Orlando Pride has signed forward Summer Yates to a two-year contract through 2024, with an option in 2025, it was announced today. Yates was drafted by the Pride in the fourth round, No. 39 overall, in the 2023 NWSL Draft.
"Summer is a versatile, quality player who provides us the ability to play her in a few different positions. We’ve been very impressed with her play and are happy to sign her ahead of the season," VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said. “She is a hard worker who will create a multitude of problems for defenders with her nose for goal, distribution and finishing. We are excited to continue her development and for her to start her professional journey here in Orlando.”
“Playing professional soccer has always been a dream of mine and I am so grateful to be able to live out that dream here in Orlando,” Yates said. “This team and coaching staff is amazing, the amount of talent and experience they have has already allowed me to learn and grow so much on and off the field. I am honored to wear purple and I am ready to give it my all for this Club and our fans!”
Yates was drafted out of the University of Washington after appearing in 93 games, 86 of which were starts, scoring 27 goals along with 23 assists during her five-year collegiate career. Yates earned All-Pac 12 selections in four of her five years while with the Huskies along with United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team honors, also landing on the All-Pacific Region Team twice.
In 2022, she led the Huskies with seven goals, six assists and 20 points, starting all 19 matches for the side. Her season was highlighted by bagging a brace in a 3-2 victory over the University of Utah as well as netting the tying goal on the road in the Apple Cup win over intrastate foe Washington State, the Huskies first win at Washington State since 1996.
On the international stage, Yates has appeared for the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team, leading the side to the 2020 U20 Concacaf Championship.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs forward Summer Yates to a two-year contract through the 2024 season, with an option in 2025.
Summer Yates
Number: 28
Position: Forward
Height: 5-4
Born: June 17, 2000 in Kennewick, Wash.
Hometown: Pasco, Wash.
Citizenship: USA
