San Diego Wave announced today the contract extension of German-American midfielder Gia Corley until the 2027 season, reinforcing the team’s focus on the development of younger talent heading into the new year.
Corley made an immediate impact in her first season with the Wave last year, scoring within five minutes of her debut against Angel City FC. She went on to score the winning goal and record an assist in the following match against the Utah Royals, becoming the third player to record three goal contributions in their first two NWSL matches.
“In her first season with the Club, Gia's impact on the ball, her work rate away from it, and her presence within the group quickly made her an important part of this team,” said Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton.
Corley’s performances earned her a starting spot on a competitive Wave roster, where she started 21 of her 24 matches in 2025. The output has even attracted attention from the international level, where she secured two call-ups to the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team; the dual-citizen previously starred for Germany’s youth national programs.
The 23-year-old’s heavy presence on the field and re-signing mark a distinct refocusing on younger talent for San Diego.
“[Corley] is part of a core group of young players that have demonstrated time and again what it means to represent the Club,” Ashton said. “We’re very pleased to extend her future with the Wave for several more years.”
The Wave, who are set to celebrate their fifth NWSL season this year, began its NWSL tenure with a strong, albeit necessary, backbone of established players. Superstar U.S. forward Alex Morgan anchored the new squad alongside the likes of Swedish forward Sofia Jakobsson and U.S. teammate Abby Dahlkemper.
With such talent now retired or transferred, San Diego’s roadmap will be navigated by young talent like Corley. New college signings (midfielder Lia Godfrey and defender Mimi Van Zanten) and a host of returners (Melanie Barcenas, Jordan Fusco, and Nya Harrison) will join Corley in this new chapter.
