Orlando Pride Sign Midfielder Cori Dyke to New Contract

The Orlando Pride announced this afternoon that the club has signed rookie midfielder Cori Dyke to a new contract. The deal runs through the 2025 NWSL season with a mutual option for 2026.

“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,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said in a club press release. “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.”

Dyke was selected by the Pride with the eighth pick of the second round (22nd overall) in the 2024 NWSL Draft. She was subsequently signed to a one-year deal on March 11, ensuring she would be on the team this year. The 23-year-old midfielder was an unused sub on March 22 against Angel City and wasn’t in the team until April 26 when she came on in the 81st minute in a 3-2 win over the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. However, she’s since become a regular for the team, taking part in every game since. The rookie has made 11 appearances this season with one start and recorded 269 minutes.

The one-year deal she signed in March was an audition to see if she would be a part of the team in the future. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines has spoken glowingly about the midfielder and used her more and more as the season has gone on. Those performances have earned her a new deal that could keep her in Orlando for another two years.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this new contract and to be staying in Orlando,” Dyke said in the club’s release. “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.”

Prior to being drafted by the Pride, Dyke played five years for the Penn State Nittany Lions, gaining an extra year of eligibility due to the global pandemic. She made 108 appearances (all starts), scoring nine goals and recording nine assists in her collegiate career. During her senior season, she moved to center back and was named Big Ten Defender of the Year while helping Penn State to a league-best nine goals conceded in 17 games. For her success at the collegiate level in both academics and athletics, Dyke recently was named Penn State’s female Big Ten Medal of Honor winner for the 2023-2024 academic year.

At the international level, Dyke has competed for the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-14 through U-23 levels, including winning the 2017 CFA Tournament with the U-19 side.

What It Means for Orlando

The Pride have built a strong side the last few years, enabling them to reach the top of the NWSL standings. Now, the goal for Hines and Carter is to keep those players together. While Dyke is unlikely to start much for the Pride during these next two years, she’s done well in her role as a substitute, coming on late to help the team see out games.

Dyke is a defensive-minded midfielder that can slide back into the back line when needed. That versatility is valued by Hines and Carter and has been crucial to the Pride’s success this season. Her former college and current Pride teammate, Kerry Abello, played in the attacking midfield until this year, when she moved back to left back, with Kylie Strom taking a central role. Dyke’s ability to play in the midfield or on the back line makes her valuable to the team.