Quick Facts
LibraBiography
Kaleigh Ann Riehl (born October 21, 1996) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
Riehl has represented the United States at the U-18, U-20 and U-23 levels. She was called up to the senior team training camp in January 2019. Riehl played for Penn State at the collegiate level and was the 11th pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, going to Sky Blue FC.
Early life
Riehl was born on October 21, 1996, in Fairfax Station, Virginia. She played with Braddock Road Youth Club '95 Elite for 11 years, with whom she won several competitions.
College career
Riehl played with Penn State University for her entire college career. As a freshman, she started all 27 matches. She was named to the Big 10 all-freshman team and helped lead the team to winning the NCAA Championship. She was redshirted for the 2016 season, during which she started for the U.S. six times at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. As a sophomore, she started all 24 matches and recorded 13 clean sheets. As a junior, she started all 25 matches, recorded 13 clean sheets, and was named Big 10 defender of the year. As a senior, she started all 25 matches. Over all four years, she set the NCAA record for minutes played as an outfield player with 8,847 minutes played.
Club career
Sky Blue FC, 2020
On January 16, 2020, Riehl took part in the NWSL College Draft. She was the 11th pick, being chosen by Sky Blue FC. Riehl made her professional debut in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup on July 4, 2020, against the Utah Royals FC.
Racing Louisville, 2021
On November 12, 2020, Riehl was selected by Racing Louisville FC in the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft.
San Diego Wave FC, 2022–2023
On December 16, 2021, Riehl was selected by San Diego Wave FC in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft.
Utah Royals, 2024–
On November 20, 2023, the Utah Royals announced that Riehl had been acquired in a trade from San Diego.
International career
Riehl has played for multiple youth national teams throughout her career. In January 2020, she was called up for the senior team training camp.
Honors
Penn State Nittany Lions
- NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship: 2015
San Diego Wave
- NWSL Shield: 2023
Individual
- Big Ten Conference Defender of the Year: 2018
