LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club announced the third group of athletes that will make up its inaugural United Soccer League (USL) W League squad Wednesday, with each addition pending league and federation approval.
The six players named continued off the Club’s “USL W League Week” in which it will release the entire roster over the span of five days.
Brynn Bradley, Erin Heil, Bella Nelson, Evelyn Pazienza, Kacey Smekrud and Shelby Smith make up Wednesday’s roster announcements. See Monday’s and Tuesday’s releases to see who has been announced thus far.
The USL W League is the nation’s premier pre-professional women’s platform, and Lexington SC’s roster will feature top collegiate and prep players from across the country. Alan Kirkup serves as Lexington’s USL W League head coach.
The inaugural match is May 10 from Toyota Stadium in Georgetown, Ky. Fans can purchase tickets to support the USL W League here.
More about each player can be found below:
Brynn Bradley – Midfielder
Social media: Instagram: brynn_bradley
Hometown: Nicholasville, K.y
Previous Team: N/A
Bradley played collegiate soccer at Midway University in Midway, Kentucky. Growing up in Nicholasville, Kentucky, she graduated from West Jessamine High School. Bradley is most excited about getting the opportunity to play the game again at a high level, having had her collegiate career come to an end.
“As someone from the Lexington area it means so much to me to not only be a part of this club but to also be a part of Lexington Sporting Club’s first ever USL W League squad.”
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Erin Heil – Midfielder / Defender
Social media: Instagram: emheil
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Previous Team: N/A
Heil plays collegiate soccer at Transylvania University, which she transferred to after attending Bellarmine University. With the Pioneers she has started in 28 out of 29 games and has earned a goal and an assist. Heil is most excited about the competition and all of the unknowns, saying she thinks it will create a sense of determination and motivation for being new to the league.
“It holds a special place in my heart as this is something that is all so new and exciting for the city of Lexington. I feel valued in a way to showcase my talent in the city I played soccer in at a very young age.”
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Bella Nelson – Forward
Social media: Instagram: bella_brigden
Hometown: Columbia, Md.
Previous Team: Maryland United FC
Nelson plays collegiate soccer at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where she has started 25 games in three seasons and scored 10 goals with three assists. She also played youth soccer for the Baltimore Armour Developmental Academy and Maryland United FC. Nelson is most excited about competing at a high level and meeting new people while continuing to develop as a soccer player.
“To be among the first W league signings for Lexington SC is a huge honor and means a lot to me. This opportunity is a true testament that everything I have been working towards and the hard work has paid off.”
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Evelyn Pazienza – Forward / Midfielder
Social media: Instagram: evelynpazienza | Twitter: evelynpazienzaa | Tik Tok: evelynpazienzaa
Hometown: Pewee Valley, Ky.
Previous Team: Racing Louisville Academy
Pazienza plays collegiate soccer at the University of Louisville, where she finished up her freshman season in 2022. Growing up in Pewee Valley, Kentucky, Pazienza attended South Oldham High School, where she helped lead the school to a state championship appearance. She also played for Racing Louisville’s academy. Pazienza is most excited to meet new people while playing high level soccer in the W League.
“Being one of the first W League signings for Lexington SC means a great deal to me. I am beyond honored and grateful for the opportunity to play with and against some of the best athletes in collegiate women’s soccer.”
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Kacey Smekrud – Midfielder / Forward
Social media: Instagram, Twitter: kaceysmekrud
Hometown: La Grange, Ky.
Previous Team: Cincinnati Sirens (WPSL and PASL)
Smekrud played collegiate soccer at the College of Charleston for four seasons where she started in a total of 21 games and scored three goals. She also played for Cincinnati Sirens of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and the Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL), as well as the Racing Louisville USL W League team in the summer of 2021. Smekrud is most excited for the opportunity to learn and play in a new and competitive environment with her teammates.
“Being among the first to sign allows us to set the standard and create the culture that will set Lexington SC above the rest and I‘m so excited to be a part of it.”
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Shelby Elizabeth Smith – Goalkeeper
Social media: Instagram: _.shelbysmith._
Hometown: Georgetown, Ky.
Previous Team: Racing Louisville Academy
Smith plays collegiate soccer for Bellarmine University, where she just completed her freshman year with the Knights. She graduated from Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky. Prior to Lexington she also played for Racing Louisville’s academy and USL W League team. Smith is most excited about playing in front of friends and family that she has known for her entire life.
“Being among the first signings at Lexington SC means bringing opportunity to the Lexington area. I grew up near Lexington and not having a women’s team that competes at such a level meant not getting to experience that pride. I can’t wait to provide that for the young women in the area.”
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Stay tuned throughout the week as more Lexington SC players are announced.
About Lexington Sporting Club
Lexington Sporting Club is a U.S. Soccer professional soccer club competing in USL League One (U.S. Soccer third division men’s professional soccer). Launching its inaugural professional season in 2023, the men’s first team is the pinnacle of the soccer ecosystem in Lexington that features more than 1,400 players within its youth and academy systems, a pre-professional women’s team beginning in 2023 in the USL W League and is in the process of building the club’s formal stadium, performance center and training fields.