Lily Real’s Impact in the NWSL

In a short span of just one year, Lily Real has made a significant mark in the NWSL.

The 22-year-old athlete signed her first professional contract with New Jersey/New York Gotham FC back in January. Fast forward ten months, and she has not only secured a position as the team’s starting left back but is also a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. Additionally, her performances have garnered attention from the U.S. Women’s National Team, leading to a well-deserved second call-up.

Hailing from Hingham, Massachusetts, Real is regarded as one of the NWSL’s most promising young talents. At Gotham, she plays a crucial role in both defensive and offensive strategies, frequently starting games.

Does she make it look easy? Well, kind of. But transitioning from college to professional play has certainly come with its challenges.

“The NWSL is a whole different beast,” she remarked. “You can study all the game footage and feel ready like you did in college, but the jump is something every player experiences. You really have to figure out how to handle that,” she added.

Playing in the NWSL means competing with some of the best players worldwide, some of whom she has admired for years.

“In college, you might lean heavily on your physical skills, but moving to the NWSL requires a focus on the finer technical and tactical details,” Real noted.

Another significant shift for her was the change in position. While she played as a center back at UCLA, Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amoros shifted her to a left outside back role—something that has allowed her to showcase her offensive abilities more effectively.

“My coaches and teammates have really pushed me to adapt and utilize the strengths I brought from center back to outside back,” she commented. Seeing her execute precise crosses into the box, you’d hardly guess the transition was challenging.

Yet, despite the new position, she retains a defender’s mindset. If given a choice, Real would rather defend than attack. “I’ve always been a natural defender,” she explained. “I enjoy being competitive and contributing to scoring, but there’s something particularly rewarding about stopping goals.”

Looking ahead, she was excited—though a tad nervous—about attending her first USWNT camp in June. Her main objective? To soak up as much knowledge as possible from her teammates, some of whom she already knew from the Gotham squad and youth national teams.

“It was an opportunity I had been waiting for since childhood, and it’s a moment I’ll always cherish,” Real reflected. “It felt like a truly unique experience.”

Real went on to start two games, earning an assist in the opener against Ireland, which led to her second call-up in October.

“Lily Real is showing steady progress,” remarked USWNT coach Emma Hayes after her debut. “Having a left-footer available on that side is exciting. The defense is solid, and she has more levels to reach.”

Amidst her achievements, Real maintains a down-to-earth perspective. She works to find a balance between giving herself grace while still striving to grow.

“I try not to pressure myself too much,” she stated. “But, at the same time, I push to elevate my performance every day in this new setting.”

So, what’s next for her? Perhaps aiming for the NWSL Rookie of the Year title in 2025?