Orlando Pride Sign Midfielder Summer Yates to New Contract

The Orlando Pride announced this afternoon that the club has signed midfielder Summer Yates to a new contract. The deal keeps the second-year professional in Orlando through the 2025 NWSL season with a mutual option for 2026.

“Summer’s growth over the last season has been evident, and her contributions on the field this year are a clear result of the work and dedication she has put into both herself and the team,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said in a club press release. “She is incredibly deserving of this new contract, and we are thrilled to reward her with it. We’re excited to see what Summer will achieve over her career here in Orlando and thankful to have her as part of our club for the foreseeable future.”

While many thought Yates would be a first- or second-round selection in the 2023 NWSL Draft, the University of Washington product dropped to the fourth round, where the Pride took her with the third pick (39th overall). It was seen by some as possibly the steal of the draft. Despite her low selection, the club signed her to a two-year deal with an option for 2025 on March 7, 2023.

Yates played sparingly during her rookie season, primarily seeing time during the NWSL Challenge Cup. However, she’s had a breakout year during her sophomore campaign, becoming a key contributor to the team. After making 10 league appearances in 2023, she’s made 15 appearances this year with 11 starts, scoring four goals.

The 24-year-old made her professional debut on March 26, 2023, coming on for Marta in the 53rd minute of the season-opening 4-0 loss to the Portland Thorns. She made 10 appearances and recorded 108 minutes in league play a year ago. The rookie was more prominent in the NWSL Challenge Cup, appearing in six games (two starts), while recording 259 minutes and two assists.

This year, Yates came on in the 70th minute of the season-opening 2-2 draw against Racing Louisville for Morgan Gautrat, scoring the equalizing goal in the 86th minute. She earned her first start on April 12 in a 1-0 win over the Utah Royals. Following her late goal that secured a point in the season opener, Yates scored the lone goal of a 1-0 win over San Diego Wave FC on April 19 and converted the eventual game-winning penalty against the Washington Spirit on April 26. Those performances have earned her the opportunity to extend her stay in Orlando.

“I am so honored to be staying in Orlando,” Yates said in the club’s release. “From day one, this organization has believed in me and helped me develop my game in so many ways. This team is so special, and I am grateful that I get to continue to be a part of it. Vamos Pride!”

Prior to being drafted by the Pride, Yates was the playmaker of the Washington Huskies. She made 93 appearances (86 starts) during her collegiate career, scoring 27 goals and recording 23 assists in five years. She was named to the All-Pac-12 team four times, Second Team All-American by the United Soccer Coaches, and twice named to the All-Pacific Region Team.

Internationally, Yates has appeared on the United States U-20 Women’s National Team, helping the side win the 2020 U-20 Concacaf Championship.

What It Means for Orlando

Yates was a low-risk and high-reward draft pick for the Pride. She was expected to go in the low first round or early second round, but continued to fall as the draft continued. Fortunately for Orlando, she was still available in the fourth round, where the Pride were able to take what might be the steal of the draft.

It was tough to judge Yates with her limited playing time in 2023, but she’s taken a major leap this season. She had the tough task of replacing Marta and Adriana earlier in the year when the Brazilians were out, taking advantage of those opportunities. She’s also been asked to take on more defensive roles due to multiple injuries to defensive midfielders.

Marta is currently on the final year of a two-year deal, so this could be the final season for the 38-year-old superstar. When the Pride captain does decide to end her career, Yates is an option to take over the number 10 role. She’s proven she can play the position and, at only 24 years old, still has room to grow.

Regardless of her future role in the team, Yates has proven this year that she can be a key contributor. The Pride’s recent success has been based on hitting on several trades and draft picks, both by Carter and former general manager Ian Fleming. Yates is another one of those good selections and has now dedicated herself to the Pride for the near future.