ORLANDO, Fla. (July 10, 2024) — The Orlando Pride has agreed to a new contract with midfielder Cori Dyke that will keep the 2024 NWSL second round draft pick in Orlando through the 2025 season, with a mutual option for 2026, it was announced today. Dyke was selected by the Pride No. 22 overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft out of Penn State University.
“Cori has stepped up and contributed in big moments this season, playing with composure and professionalism well beyond her years. Her versatility has been a very important part of our team, as well as her commitment to growing and learning each day,” said Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter. “We’re happy to be able to provide her with the support and environment she needs to continue her growth as a player, and to also see her continue as an important piece of what we are building here in Orlando.”
“I couldn’t be more excited about this new contract and to be staying in Orlando,” Dyke said. “I am so grateful to the staff and my fellow teammates for my experience thus far. I know I will only continue to grow and learn more from them while in this environment. This really is a special group and I feel blessed to continue to be a part of it.”
So far in her rookie season, Dyke has appeared in 11 matches after making her NWSL debut on April 16 against the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. She earned her first professional start on June 7 against the San Diego Wave at Snapdragon Stadium.
The Penn State University defender had a decorated collegiate career where she totaled 108 appearances, all of which were starts, nine goals and nine assists. In 2023, she was named 2023 Big Ten Defender of the Year after being named a Big Ten Player to watch in the preseason.
Dyke also recently received Penn State’s Big Ten Medal of Honor for the 2023-24 academic year. The Medal of Honor is the loftiest academic and athletic accolade bestowed upon Big Ten Conference student-athletes. It is the highest honor that a student competing in conference athletics can achieve in the Big Ten.
During her final season as a Nittany Lion in 2023, Dyke started all 17 matches and was a staple in a backline that only gave up nine goals, the least number of goals allowed by any Big Ten school. Dyke also scored four goals and tallied two assists during that year.
Internationally, she has represented the U.S. Women’s National Team from the U-14 through U-23 levels. She also helped the U-19 USWNT to a first-place finish in a CFA Tournament in 2017.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs midfielder Cori Dyke to a two-year contract through the 2025 season, with a mutual option for 2026.
