It’s most college athletes’ dream to go professional, and for Alabama soccer forward Maddie Padelski, her dream just came true. At just 18 years old, she signed with Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League on Jan. 8.
Padelski knew she wanted to be a professional soccer player when she attended a Women’s World Cup game when she was nine years old.
Padelski joined the Crimson Tide only two years ago after graduating from high school at 16. She was the youngest NCAA athlete in 2024.
In her two years on the pitch, she tallied eight goals: two in her rookie season and six last season.
Padelski missed a total of six games in her rookie season as she was selected to practice and compete with the U17 National Team. While competing on the world stage, she netted two goals and helped the team win bronze.
The highlights of her career at Alabama were the two goals she scored during the Crimson Tide’s 2025 NCAA Tournament run. Late in the opening match, Alabama was trailing Northwestern when Padelski netted the season-saving goal. During the next match against Stanford, Padelski helped hold the game close with an iconic goal, but the Cardinal soon blew the game open, leaving the field with a score of 7-3.
It was not a question of if she would play professionally, but when.
Two weeks after record-breaking Gianna Paul went pro, the deal was inked and Padelski was headed to Portland.
“I feel like it’s just such a blessing and this is something I’ve been working for my whole life, and ultimately been like one of the big dreams I’ve had like when it comes to playing soccer,” she said. “When I got the contract it just didn’t feel real. I was just so thankful and grateful for all my family and everyone who got me here.”
Padelski spent most of a recent interview with The Crimson White talking about others. This is not a first, as Padelski has always been the definition of a team player. She made a recurring appearance in post-game interviews and always spent time complimenting teammates.
When asked about who she was most proud of for sticking by her throughout her career, she said, “I was very proud of that little girl who made those dreams.”
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