Seven years ago, Mallory Swanson, then 19 and known as Pugh, made history in American women’s soccer. She left UCLA after just three games to pursue a professional career, becoming the first player to forgo completing college to sign an NWSL contract. Having already represented the United States at the 2016 Olympics, she was considered a highly talented prospect. At the time, such a bold move was uncommon, but within a couple of years, the landscape began to change. Yet, even as part of a new generation, players like Alyssa Thompson still faced challenges in making such a decision.

“Going to college together, going to Stanford, that was always the plan,” said Gisele Thompson, 13 months younger than her sister Alyssa. Both Southern Californian natives dreamed of pursuing the beautiful game professionally since childhood. The challenges of them to grow in the game even saw them training with boys in an MLS NEXT program. Then again, none of them compared to the time Alyssa, being older, was pondering to leave college.

At 17, she debuted for the U.S. senior team at Wembley Stadium against England in October 2022. Months later, she decommitted from Stanford to enter the NWSL draft, becoming the first player drafted straight from high school when Angel City FC picked her No. 1 overall. While it may seem like a simple choice, the truth may shock you. “It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve had to make,” Alyssa said exclusively to Sports Illustrated. “But ultimately it came down to what I wanted to do and what my dream was. And that was being a professional athlete.”  

Even her younger sister was initially uncertain about joining her. However, months later, before turning 18 in December 2023, Gisele also joined ACFC through a new league rule permitting teams to recruit minors under specific conditions. Fulfilling their dream of becoming teammates—what more could the Thompson sisters have asked for? Even today, they continue to credit those who made it possible.

“It’s kind of crazy to think that we’re part of that first generation going into that,” says Alyssa. “Really, having this opportunity to be in this position that we are, we obviously owe a lot of it to the veterans. They’ve helped grow the league so much. We wouldn’t be in the position that we are without them…We want to continue the legacy that they brought,” added the older Thompson.

Technically, it wasn’t just the veterans that helped their case. Of course, they were one of the most visible faces of a movement that before saw the likes of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, or even Catarina Macario skip college. Not to forget Olivia Moultrie’s extra effort to sue NWSL for not letting her sign the contract at 15. A settlement in court made the youngster a pioneer of entry mechanism for youth players.

In short, one can assume it is a mix of combined efforts. While it is good to see that it worked out quite well for Alyssa, might we recall that another one of her colleagues had to go through a similar situation?

This USWNT star also faced a similar predicament to Alyssa Thompson

Tierna Davidson balanced an engineering degree at Stanford while playing for the Cardinals. She was determined to give her all to both academics and soccer. However, juggling both commitments pushed her to a breaking point, where she felt stuck in “survival mode.” Realizing she didn’t want to rush through college just to earn a degree before turning pro, she knew she had to choose one path.  

At the time, leaving college for a professional soccer career was rare, making the decision even harder. Encouraged by a mentor, she ultimately put her education on hold to focus on soccer. Yet, doubts lingered. “It was really difficult because at that time there weren’t many people skipping college or dropping out of college to go play professionally,” revealed Davidson while speaking on The Women’s Game podcast.

At that time, many considered a 4-year college degree much more valuable than playing professionally. But as she eventually decided to leave college, there was no turning back. As for education, she believes it can be fulfilled after her playing career is over.

Be that as it may, such stories clearly highlight the difficult choices young female athletes once faced when deciding between education and pursuing their sport at the highest level. What do you think of Alyssa Thompson’s journey so far? Let us know in the comments down below.