Biography:
Rosemary Kathleen Lavelle, known as Rose Lavelle, was born on May 14, 1995, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is an accomplished American professional soccer player, widely recognized for her skill and contributions as a midfielder for OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.
Lavelle’s soccer journey began in her hometown, where she played for various clubs such as GSSA Sycamore United Club, Lakota United Soccer Club, and Cincinnati United Premier Soccer Club. It was under the guidance of her longtime trainer Neil Bradford that Lavelle’s talent blossomed. Bradford recognized her potential at a young age and even predicted her rise to the Women’s Soccer National Team.
Lavelle’s passion for soccer grew, leading her to choose professional soccer star Mia Hamm as the subject of her third-grade book report. This early interest foreshadowed her own path to success. She continued to hone her skills and garnered recognition as a four-year varsity player at Mount Notre Dame High School. In her senior year, Lavelle was honored as Cincinnati’s Player of the Year by The Cincinnati Enquirer.
During her time in high school, Lavelle scored an impressive 57 goals, emerging as the team’s leading scorer and earning NSCAA All-Region recognition for two consecutive years. Her exceptional abilities on the field were further acknowledged when she was awarded the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Sports Women of the Year in 2013.
In 2013, Lavelle joined the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s soccer program. Throughout her collegiate career, she proved to be an invaluable asset to the team. As a freshman, Lavelle made 19 appearances, scoring six goals and contributing seven assists. Her outstanding performance earned her the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year title.
Lavelle’s impact continued to grow, and she played a crucial role in Wisconsin’s triumph in the Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament in 2014. Her prowess on the field was recognized as she was named the Big Ten midfielder of the year consecutively in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, she became the first Wisconsin Badger since 1991 to be named a first-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 2015.
Following her collegiate career, Lavelle embarked on her professional journey, signing with the Boston Breakers. Subsequently, she joined the Washington Spirit, where she further honed her skills and contributed significantly to the team.
Lavelle’s talent and hard work caught the attention of national team selectors, leading to her senior international debut for the United States in 2017. She represented her country at the highest level, showcasing her skills in multiple youth levels as well.
A significant turning point in Lavelle’s international career came in 2019 when she played a pivotal role in the United States’ victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Starting six games, she made a remarkable impact, scoring three goals and receiving the Bronze Ball award for her outstanding performance. Her contributions were vital in securing the championship for the United States.
The same year, Lavelle’s talent earned global recognition when she was named the sixth-best player in the world at The Best FIFA Football Awards. She also received the prestigious honor of being named to the 2019 FIFA FIFPro World XI.
Lavelle’s excellence extended to the international stage in the 2020 Olympics, where she represented the United States. Her performance helped the team clinch a bronze medal, with Lavelle scoring one goal during the tournament.
Throughout her career, Lavelle has become a symbol of determination and excellence in women’s soccer. Her passion for the game, coupled with her skill, has inspired aspiring players around the world. With her continued success on both the club and international levels, Lavelle has solidified her place in women’s soccer history.
Awards:
– Bronze Ball at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019
– Named the sixth-best player in the world at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019
– Included in the 2019 FIFA FIFPro World XI