San Diego Wave bets on rising star from Germany's national team in bold NWSL signing | OneFootball

San Diego Wave FC announced today that the club has signed 22-year-old German midfielder Gia Corley from TSG Hoffenheim Frauen of the Frauen-Bundesliga. The deal runs through 2026, showing the club's commitment to invest in young talent with potential to grow and make a difference on the field. Already at such a young age, Corley has experience at the highest levels of competition, which could be one of her key advantages in adapting to the NWSL.

For the uninitiated, Gia Corley is an athlete with quite the résumé for her age. At just 16, she was already on Bayern Munich's radar, where she started off her professional career. Though modest, with 14 appearances and two assists, her time at Bayern found her stride at Hoffenheim Frauen, playing there for four seasons.

All in all, Corley contributed 70 matches, starting 14 goals and adding a further 12 assists in the Frauen-Bundesliga. She has already accounted for two goals and three assists this season alone. Her talent evidently keeps growing.

Why is Gia Corley a smart pick for San Diego Wave?

San Diego Wave did well by signing a young player with big-match experience. Corley brings the numbers that show constant involvement in the attack and how dangerous she can be when it comes to creating scoring chances. Her performance in competitive leagues, such as the Bundesliga, testifies that she can provide technical quality and intensity to the Wave's midfield.

Further depth is added by her international experience with Germany's youth teams. Corley has played in two FIFA World Cups-both U-17 and U-20-scoring three goals, while also captaining Germany to victory in the 2019 UEFA U-17 European Championship. That history indicates she is not young to the pressure of major tournaments.

Corley's impact on San Diego Wave FC

Corley joins at an important time for San Diego Wave, who are building their core for the 2025 season. Signing someone like Corley is a massive step forward. Head coach Jonas Eidevall will have a versatile player to lean on.

Camille Ashton, the club's sporting director, underscored the potential of Corley, saying she has "a ton of promise ahead," reiterating the Wave's ambition to build a long-term competitive roster.

Challenges for Gia Corley in the NWSL Despite an impressive résumé, it won't all come easy as she transitions to the NWSL. The American league has a different style of play. Adjusting to the pace and physicality, with adapting to a new culture, will be critical for Corley to reach her full potential.

But Corley's impact will not stop on the field. Players who have played in Europe's top leagues bring in a different perspective and mentality that can really help teammates and further connect the team with supporters.

Besides, having Corley on the roster will place San Diego Wave under the international microscope to a greater degree and further cement the club's standing globally in women's soccer.