Mallory Pugh Swanson is a name that resonates with excellence and trailblazing achievements in women’s soccer.
Her story is one of prodigious talent, unwavering dedication, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
As a renowned American soccer superstar, she has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her electrifying performances on the field and her inspirational presence.
From becoming the youngest player in the history of the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) to earning numerous accolades and records, her journey is evidence of her passion for the game and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in female soccer.
In this article on Mallory Pugh’s life and career, we delve into her early days, net worth, education, and family.
Full Name | Mallory Diane Swanson |
Nickname | Mallory |
Profession | Soccer player |
Teams | Chicago Red Stars/ USNWT |
Date of Birth & Age | April 29, 1998 (age 25) |
Birth Place | Littleton, Colorado |
Religion | Catholic |
Marital Status | Married |
Hometown & Country | United States |
Playing Position | Forward |
Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
Mallory Pugh’s Early Life, Education & Background
Born in Littleton, Colorado to Karen and Horace Pugh, grew up with her older sister Brianna in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Her mother was a long-distance runner, and her father was involved in track and football.
Mallory looked up to her sister Brianna as a role model, which inspired her to start playing soccer at the age of four.
Following in her sister’s footsteps, she joined Real Colorado’s club soccer in the Elite Clubs National League, starting at the recreational U-5 level and progressing through competitive levels from U-11 to U-18.
In her last two years with the team, she frequently trained with the club’s Boys Development Academy squad.
Her contributions helped Real Colorado secure state titles in 2010 and 2011, and they reached the Elite Clubs National League finals in both 2013 and 2014.
At the U-16 level, Real Colorado clinched state and regional titles, and they were runners-up at nationals, where Mallory was named the MVP of the regional tournament.
She attended Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch from 2012 to 2016.
Over three seasons with the team, she scored 47 goals and provided 23 assists. During her freshman year, she earned a spot on the All-Colorado Team after leading her team to a state title.
She was recognized as the offensive MVP at Mountain Vista and received the NSCAA Youth All-American honor for 2013.
In her sophomore year, despite missing more than half of her high school games due to national team commitments, she contributed to her team’s journey to the state semifinals.
As a junior, Mallory scored 24 goals and assisted 12 times in 18 games, helping her team reach the state semifinals.
Her outstanding performance led to her being named the 2014–15 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame’s 2015 High School Female Athlete of the Year.
She was also named the NSCAA Youth Girls National Player of the Year for both 2014 and 2015.
Mallory Pugh’s Soccer Career
Her professional soccer journey started early, and she wasted no time making a global impact.
Mallory quickly earned the title of the youngest player in USWNT history to accumulate ten career assists, setting a record for the most assists by a player under 20.
In 2016, she was chosen as part of the 18-player squad representing the United States at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
At just 17, Mallory became the youngest player in USWNT history to secure this prestigious opportunity.
During this significant tournament, Mallory scored her first Olympic goal against Colombia, propelling her team to a 2-0 lead and securing her status as the youngest player to ever score for Team USA in an Olympic match.
US Women’s National Team
During her teenage years in Colorado, Mallory Pugh managed a demanding balancing act, participating in local matches for Mountain Vista while representing the United States in international competitions at the under-fifteen, under-seventeen, and under-twenty levels.
At the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, despite being the youngest player on the team at just sixteen, she started in every game.
Her remarkable performance continued at the 2015 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, where she not only won the Golden Boot Award for the most goals but also received the Golden Ball Award for being the best overall player.
Mallory’s prowess on the US amateur teams was so impressive that, at the age of just seventeen and while still in high school, she made history by becoming the youngest player to debut for the US Women’s National Team in over a decade.
Her first appearance occurred on January 23, 2016, against the Republic of Ireland, and she didn’t disappoint, scoring her first international goal in the eighty-third minute.
This feat made her only the nineteenth player in US history to achieve such a milestone in her senior team debut.
Her journey continued at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where she became the second youngest female soccer Olympian in US history.
In her Olympic debut, she marked it with a goal in the fifty-ninth minute, securing her position as the youngest US player to score in the Olympics.
Mallory’s success with the senior team persisted over the following two years, leading her to join the team at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
At twenty-one years old, she scored her first World Cup goal in the team’s opening match.
The USWNT went on to secure victory in the World Cup, with Mallory becoming the second former Colorado high school soccer player to win a Women’s World Cup, following in the footsteps of April Heinrichs in 1991.
Mallory Swanson’s Net Worth
You might be curious about Mallory’s financial status. As of 2023, her estimated net worth stands at $5 million, and her salary for 2023 is $1 million.
Not surprisingly, Mallory has made smart financial investments, which have helped her build a significant wealth management portfolio. She carefully negotiates her salaries to support her lifestyle choices and career decisions, ensuring she gets the best deals.
When it comes to money matters, Mallory is astute.
She ensures that her sponsorships align with her values and provides fair compensation for her time representing them. She is selective about the brands she endorses, only choosing those that offer real value to both herself and the public.
Mallory is one of the top earners in women’s soccer, and her impressive net worth reflects her financial success.
Mallory Pugh’s Husband & Kids
The United States Women’s National soccer team star, 25, married the Atlanta Braves shortstop, 28, at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, on Dec. 10.2022
Mallory and Dansby met in 2017 after being introduced by the soccer player’s brother-in-law and Swanson’s former Atlanta Braves teammate, Jace Peterson.
The “enchanted forest” wedding took place at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia.
The happy couple told PEOPLE: “To get married in front of our family and friends is so special. It means that we are becoming one and get to impact God’s kingdom together.”
Sara Fried of Fête Nashville Luxury Weddings, the pair’s wedding planner, also spoke to the publication, saying: “Mal’s vision for her dream ceremony was an enchanted forest canopied with towering trees.
“We added whimsical string lights, romantic crystal chandeliers, and a gorgeous white altar inspired by church windows, and let nature be the focal point.”
The couple has no child so far as both of them are focused on their careers at the moment.
Mallory is focused on her career as a professional soccer player, and there is no doubt that she will continue making history with her accomplishments on the pitch while also enjoying her romantic life with Dansby Swanson off the field.
Mallory Pugh’s Social Media
- Instagram: Malpugh
- Twitter: Malpugh
- Facebook: Mallory Pugh
She serves as a remarkable source of inspiration and motivation for millions worldwide through her social media presence.
With over one million followers on her social media accounts and nearly 200,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, she has made it her mission to make a meaningful impact in the lives of many.
The extent of her online influence is further underscored by the substantial media attention she garners and the enthusiastic engagement of her fans on various social media platforms.
She deeply understands the potency of maintaining a strong online presence.
She harnesses this power to advocate for causes that are dear to her, whether it’s enhancing access to mental health resources for young athletes or combatting racism and sexism in sports.
Facts About Mallory Pugh Swanson
- She is the youngest player ever to score a goal for the USWNT. She scored her first goal for the USWNT on June 11, 2019, in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match against Thailand. She was 19 years old at the time.
- She was named to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star Team. She was among only two players under 20 to be named to the team.
- She is a brand ambassador for Nike and New Balance. She is one of the most marketable athletes in the world and has endorsement deals with several major companies.
- She is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and equality. She has spoken out about the importance of equal pay for women in sports. She has been a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement.
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