The Denver Summit FC has secured a significant talent for its inaugural season by bringing defender Eva Gaetino into its ranks. This strategic move highlights the club's ambition to build a competitive team from the ground up, with Gaetino's experience and skill set expected to play a crucial role. Her journey from collegiate standout to a professional in European leagues and an international player underscores her caliber, making her a valuable asset for the NWSL newcomer. The acquisition not only strengthens the team's defense but also signals its commitment to fostering a winning culture with accomplished athletes.
This signing is a testament to the growing appeal and competitiveness of the NWSL, attracting players with international experience. Gaetino's decision to join an expansion team like Denver Summit FC reflects a desire for new challenges and an opportunity to be part of shaping a club's identity from its very beginning. Her arrival is poised to generate excitement among fans and provide a solid foundation for the team's defensive strategies, as they prepare to embark on their first professional season.
Denver Summit Secures Key Defender
The Denver Summit FC, a new entrant in the National Women's Soccer League, has officially welcomed defender Eva Gaetino to its roster. Hailing from Dexter, Michigan, the 23-year-old American international arrives from French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, where she made notable contributions, including scoring in the UEFA Women's Champions League quarterfinals and celebrating a Coupe de France Feminine victory. This transfer sees Gaetino commit to the Summit through the 2028 season, though specific financial details of the agreement were not disclosed by the club during their announcement.
Gaetino's career trajectory showcases a remarkable talent, marked by a stellar collegiate career at Notre Dame from 2020 to 2023. During her time with the Fighting Irish, she appeared in 76 matches, starting 75, and earned prestigious accolades, including two first-team All-American selections and consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year awards. Her transition to professional play in Europe with PSG further honed her skills at the highest level, making her an ideal fit for the Summit's ambitious plans. Denver's General Manager, Curt Johnson, emphasized Gaetino's "special talent" and extensive experience across various competitive platforms as key factors in her recruitment, underscoring her potential to significantly impact the team's performance and help define its standards in the NWSL.
Eva Gaetino: A Rising Star's Journey to NWSL
Eva Gaetino's path to the Denver Summit FC is distinguished by early success and consistent performance at elite levels of women's soccer. From her formative years in Dexter, Michigan, Gaetino quickly established herself as a formidable talent, culminating in a standout collegiate career at Notre Dame. Her tenure there was not just about participation, but dominance, as evidenced by her near-perfect starting record, multiple All-American honors, and back-to-back recognition as the ACC's top defensive player. These achievements illustrate a player with exceptional skill, tactical understanding, and leadership qualities from a young age.
Her move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 represented a significant step onto the international stage, where she continued to excel, contributing to the team's success in high-stakes competitions like the UEFA Women's Champions League and the Coupe de France Feminine. These experiences against top-tier European clubs have undoubtedly further refined her abilities and prepared her for the rigorous demands of the NWSL. Gaetino's excitement about joining Denver Summit FC, as expressed in her statement, reflects her desire to contribute to a new club's foundation and compete at the pinnacle of women's club soccer in the United States. Her signing is not merely an acquisition of a player but an investment in a proven talent poised to make a substantial impact on and off the field, helping to shape the identity and competitive spirit of the expansion team.