2023 NWSL Draft pick joins Pride through 2025 season
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Pride and forward Messiah Bright have agreed to a three-year contract, signing the player through the 2025 NWSL season, it was announced today. Bright was drafted by the Pride in the second round, No. 21 overall, in the 2023 NWSL Draft.
“Messiah has the potential to be one of the most dangerous attackers in the NWSL, something the Club knew when we drafted her this year,” VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said. “She has had a great preseason, showcasing the skills she possesses and becoming a great fit for the culture we are building in our locker room. We know she still has so much untapped potential and we are excited that Orlando will be where she develops and grows as an athlete and person. We’re really looking forward to the important role she is going to play in achieving our goals, this year and in the future.”
Bright played collegiately at Texas Christian University for five years and finished her career with 50 goals and 17 assists in 102 games played, all of which were starts. She ranks as the program’s all-time leader in goals and points (118) along with earning All-Big 12 honors in each of her five years with the Horned Frogs. Bright also was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American during her time in Fort Worth.
“I am beyond excited to be able to stay in purple and call Orlando home for the next few years. It’s always been a dream of mine to play professional soccer, and I finally get to do that with such an amazing team,” Bright said. “The experience thus far is something I have been truly grateful for. The team as well as the coaching staff have welcomed me with open arms, and they drive me to be the best person I can be on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to see my development and give it my all for the Club and our fans!”
During the 2022 campaign at TCU, Bright posted double-digit goals for the third time in her NCAA career, netting 10 for the Horned Frogs as they made a run to their third-consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. During the 2021 season, the forward racked up 17 goals, which set the program record for goals scored in a single season and was tied for fourth nationally.
At the international level, Bright earned a call-up to the U-23 U.S. Women’s National Team in 2022 and for U-18 USWNT training camps in Florida and Switzerland in 2018.
Most recently, Bright provided the assist on Julie Doyle’s game-winning goal on February 23 in the Pride’s 2-0 preseason win over the Kansas City Current.
The Pride open their 2023 season on the road, traveling to face Portland Thorns FC on March 26. The home season will begin on April 2, with Angel City FC coming to Exploria Stadium for a 5:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
Tickets for that match, as well as full season ticket packages, half season ticket packages and group tickets, are available here.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs forward Messiah Bright to a three-year contract through the 2025 season.
Messiah Bright (meh-CY-uh)
Number: 23
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Born: January 12, 2000 in Dallas, Texas
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Citizenship: USA
