Exclusive: Tri-Cities grad talks about her deal to play with one of world’s top soccer stars
It’s one thing to be drafted by a professional team in your chosen sport.
It’s another thing to sign a contract.
Chiawana High School graduate Summer Yates got that deal on Tuesday, signing a two-year contract with an option for 2025 with the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Terms were not disclosed.
It’s a dream come true for Yates, who finished up her collegiate career at the University of Washington last fall.
Yates was drafted by the Pride in January, taken 39th overall and in the fourth round. That was lower than she was projected, where many pundits had her going in the first or second round.
No matter. Yates knew what she had to do: You can get drafted, but if you don’t perform, you may not get a contract.
So Yates left for Orlando soon after the draft to get acclimated to the weather, and to the way the Pride does things.
“Playing professional soccer is different,” Yates said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “I have to learn how to take care of my body. Get some rest. Eat right. Get good sleep.”
It all helped her play well.
In a preseason match, she found a teammate for an assist. She’s listed at forward, but the Pride has been using her as a midfielder.
To top it off, she’s a teammate of Marta — the Brazilian striker who is one of the best players in the world; and one of Yates’ idols.
Yates admits that she might have been tongue-tied when meeting her.
“But Marta came up to me and introduced herself, and then asked me my name,” said Yates. “I mean, I certainly knew who she was. It was so neat to see how down to earth she is.”
And if she had any self doubts about her chances, they weren’t there.
“You have to have confidence in yourself, knowing you can play at this level, or you won’t make it,” Yates said.
Her dedication and performance this past month convinced the Pride’s front office that she’s a good fit with this team.
“Summer is a versatile, quality player who provides us the ability to play her in a few different positions,” said Haley Carter, the Pride’s Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager.
“She is a hard worker who will create a multitude of problems for defenders with her nose for the goal, distribution and finishing. We are excited to continue her development and for her to start her professional journey here in Orlando.”
Orlando’s NWSL regular season opener also happens to be in the Northwest. It’s set for March 26 at Portland, against the Thorns. Kickoff that day is at 2 p.m.
“I have a lot of family that will be coming to that game,” Yates said.
It’ll make for a great reunion.
This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 11:40 AM.