USWNT forward Mallory Swanson, one of women’s soccer’s most dynamic talents, has announced she and her husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, are expecting their first child. The 26-year-old shared the joyous news via social media, posting a photo of herself holding a baby onesie emblazoned with “Swanson 11” – a nod to her jersey number. The announcement comes as Swanson continues her recovery from a patellar tendon injury sustained in April 2023, which sidelined her during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Fans and teammates flooded her comments with congratulations, celebrating both her personal milestone and resilience as an athlete.
Swanson’s pregnancy marks a pivotal moment in her career. Since debuting for the USWNT in 2016, she’s become a cornerstone of the team’s attack, scoring 32 goals in 88 appearances. Her absence at the 2023 World Cup was deeply felt, with the U.S. struggling to replicate her creativity and clinical finishing. Analysts noted the team’s 0.8 goals-per-game average during the tournament – a stark drop from their 4.3 average in Swanson’s five starts earlier that year. Her return to form post-injury had been highly anticipated, but this new chapter raises questions about her timeline for rejoining competitive play.
Balancing elite athletics and motherhood is no small feat, but Swanson joins a growing list of soccer stars navigating this journey. Former USWNT captain Christie Pearce Rampone played professionally through two pregnancies, returning to win Olympic gold in 2012. More recently, Chelsea’s Sam Kerr and Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood continued performing at peak levels after becoming mothers. Swanson’s situation differs slightly, as her injury recovery overlaps with pregnancy. Medical experts emphasize individualized approaches: “Every athlete’s body responds differently,” says Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB-GYN and women’s health specialist. “Collaboration between sports physicians and maternal health experts is key to ensuring safe training adjustments.”
The NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars, Swanson’s club team, have publicly supported her. A team spokesperson stated, “Mallory’s health and family come first. We’re committed to providing resources for her journey.” The NWSL’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement includes expanded parental leave policies, offering up to six months paid leave – a critical safety net for athletes like Swanson. Meanwhile, USWNT fans speculate how her pregnancy might affect roster plans for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Head coach Emma Hayes, who’s previously coached pregnant players at Chelsea, is expected to adopt a flexible approach.
Swanson’s announcement also highlights broader conversations about women’s sports. Pregnancy was once viewed as a career liability, but shifting attitudes and policy changes are normalizing it as part of an athlete’s lifecycle. The WNBA’s 2020 maternity leave reforms and FIFA’s 2021 pregnancy guidelines for clubs reflect this progress. Still, challenges persist. A 2022 FIFPRO survey revealed 60% of female players worry about career repercussions after starting a family. Swanson’s openness could inspire others. Teammate Alex Morgan, who welcomed her daughter in 2020, tweeted, “So happy for you, Mal! The best adventure awaits.”
Financially, Swanson’s sponsorships with Nike and Visa position her to remain visible during this hiatus. Nike’s 2023 “Motherhood x Athletics” campaign featured postpartum athletes, signaling brand support for women balancing sports and parenting. Her marketability as a role model – both on and off the pitch – remains strong. Media analysts predict her story will resonate beyond soccer, similar to Serena Williams’ advocacy for maternal health in tennis.
As Swanson prepares for motherhood, her focus on recovery continues. She’s been documenting her rehab journey, emphasizing strength training and mental resilience. “Soccer will always be part of my life,” she said in a recent interview. “Right now, I’m learning to listen to my body in new ways.” Her resolve mirrors her playing style – fearless and forward-thinking. Whether she’ll be match-fit for the 2024 Olympics remains uncertain, but her legacy as a player unafraid to embrace life’s unpredictability is already cemented.
The intersection of elite sports and parenthood is complex, but Swanson’s journey offers a relatable narrative. Her ability to pivot amid setbacks – from injury to pregnancy – underscores the evolving definition of athletic success. As fans, we’re reminded that athletes are multifaceted individuals navigating the same milestones as their supporters. Swanson’s next assist might just be inspiring a generation to see motherhood and ambition as complementary, not conflicting.