Jenna Nighswonger: USWNT’s new breakout star inspired by Eden Hazard and advocating for mental health
Attacker, defender, goal scorer: In her first prominent tournament for the USWNT, Nighswonger is showing that she is the real deal.
Football
NJ/NY Gotham pulled off a modern football miracle last year when they turned their fortunes around in dramatic fashion.
In 2022, the NWSL outfit finished dead last in the table with a staggering 17 losses to their name.
A change in direction with a new manager and several new players saw them just about make the playoffs in 2023, by a marginal goal difference, before going on to win the NWSL Championship.
One of those newcomers, fresh out of college, was Jenna Nighswonger.
Fourth overall pick in the draft, she emerged as a midfielder/forward but quickly adapted into a defensive role under the guidance of head coach Juan Carlos Amorós.
If helping her new club to the title wasn’t already memorable enough, the NWSL newcomer was crowned ‘Rookie of the Year’ for her efforts in her inaugural season.
Her contributions did not go unnoticed on an international level, either, making her senior USWNT debut before the turn of the new year.
The Americans have plenty of breakout stars coming through the set-up of late, and her performances at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup prove that Nighswonger is among the latest to establish that role.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 03: The United States celebrate a goal by Jenna Nighswonger #3 against Columbia in the first half during the quarterfinals of 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup at BMO Stadium on March 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
A versatile player
One of the key elements of Nighswonger’s game that has seen her become invaluable for club and now an up-and-comer for country is the versatility she is able to offer across the pitch.
From forward to midfield to defence, she is able to operate in multiple positions.
Jenna has said previously she enjoys playing an advanced role on the pitch, inspired by the likes of Eden Hazard, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star, but has found herself adapting to the full-back role for NJ/NY Gotham.
“I think I just like to play my position more attacking,” Nighswonger said in a post-match press conference last season.
“I think I do see myself as an attacking midfield player but I am now a left-back. The hardest part about the area is understanding, defensively, the tactics.
“Ali Krieger and Michelle Betos have been so helpful in giving me the confidence in that area but I think that’s something that can continue to grow.”
Her adaptability is perhaps what put her in the eye line of the national team, earning her first senior call-up last November and now establishing herself as a key figure in their ongoing CONCACAF W Gold Cup campaign, during which she has scored twice.
This trajectory is reminiscent of Crystal Dunn's rise to becoming one of the USWNT’s most important players; a dynamic forward who can translate that skillset to defence.
While Dunn still has plenty to give, when the time comes to hang up her boots, the USA have a ready-made replacement in Nighswonger.
Off the field: Using her platform for good
When she is not on the field, Nighswonger is determined to use her platform for good, particularly advocating for mental health support.
It is a sentiment she shares with national team-mate Naomi Girma, and several others, striving for more support across the world.
“I’m a major advocate for mental health,” she told the NJ/NY Gotham website.
“I speak about this a lot. I believe we’re in a bit of a mental health crisis where there’s not enough support for everything going on in the world.
“Everywhere, we need more investment in mental health treatment and support.”
Nighswonger’s advocacy doesn’t stop with mental health, either.
In 2022, in honour of Brest Cancer Awareness Month, she donated $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation using her NIL (name, image, likeness) deal with Garnet & Gold.
“I’m excited to donate money to this foundation,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Funding research is critical in fighting breast cancer and finding a cure.
“My grandmother passed away from breast cancer in the early 70s but, thanks to advancement in treatments due to research, it has allowed multiple family members to be breast cancer survivors.”
Not only do Nighswonger’s performances speak to the kind of player the USWNT call on, but in a team known for their advocacy and championing change, she is also exactly the kind of person they look to.