Are you 24 or older?

Help us verify your age by providing an honest response. This site contains gambling advertising for 24+.

Age-restricted content

You’re not old enough to view betting content. You’ll be redirected to the homepage.

alt
Celia Balf

Celia Balf

Senior Editor, Women’s Soccer

I'm a women’s soccer writer who has been covering the USWNT and iterations of the NWSL for more than a decade. As a former Division 1 soccer player, collegiate coach, and mentor for young athletes, I’ve found a way to weave my deep connection and understanding of the sport into storytelling, with a purpose. I am equally obsessed with the X’s and O’s of soccer as I am with the cultural revolution players like Trinity Rodman have made with their hair and viral celebrations. 

My football story: I have a vivid memory of my dad running back and forth in the living room with an Arsenal flag, my brother claiming the name ‘Henry’ because of Thierry Henry, and my household being an Arsenal-only home. Sure, I was born into it, but on the women’s side, I grew up obsessing over Alex Scott’s outside-back rapidness on the wing, and Kelly Smith’s filthy goals – both of which played in the U.S. for the Boston Breakers way back when. I would go to every single one of the Breakers home games and gawk over the former Arsenal Women's players.  

Areas of expertise:

  • American women’s soccer stories
  • USWNT and NWSL features 
  • Tactical insight 

Favorite footballing memory: I sat at a table with Megan Rapinoe, Kelley O’Hara, and Carli Lloyd days after they won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Journalists were invited to the homecoming celebration in downtown Los Angeles following the tournament. I somehow, at the ripe age of 18 or so, ended up at a table alongside one of the greatest soccer journalists of all time, Grant Wahl. As the roundtable of questions and answers began, Wahl looked at me, sweating, anxious, and avoiding eye contact at all costs to my idols, and said “Would you like to ask the first question?” I proceeded to take a deep breath and asked probably the stupidest question, ever, yet, that moment will forever be one of my favorites. RIP to Grant Wahl, and thank you for creating spaces for young up-and-coming journalists to speak.

My All-Time XI: Hope Solo, Lucy Bronze, Wendie Renard, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, Michelle Akers, Julie Ertz, Aitana Bonmati, Marta, Mia Hamm, Kelly Smith

Favorite stories I've written: 

• Rapinoe's No. 15 Reign FC jersey is retired, her impact will forever be a part of Seattle
• Inside Emma Hayes' brilliant soccer mind, strategy and focus on common goals
• USWNT and NWSL stars to express surprise and admiration for Crystal Dunn following retirement

Articles by Celia Balf
  1. Sanchez, Triple Espresso make Hayes' USWNT roster for Spain

    U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has named a 26-player roster for October camp ahead of two matches against reigning World Cup champion Spain. Sam Coffey and Naomi Girma return after missing June’s games in Brazil while recovering from injuries. The group also includes Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson - the trio known as “Triple Espresso” - along with NWSL Golden Boot leader Ashley Sanchez and four uncapped players.

  2. Atlanta City FC

    Atlanta City FC set to begin play in 2028

    Atlanta’s National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise unveiled its name, crest and colors Monday, officially introducing Atlanta City FC. The club, one of two set to join the NWSL in 2028, revealed an identity that celebrates the city’s rich history and character while reflecting the team’s ambitions for the future.

  1. NWSL unveils ambitious 2027 season blueprint

    The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) announced its competition framework for the 2027 season, highlighted by the earliest start in league history. The regular season will kick off Feb. 11 at BMO Stadium, with the schedule constructed to accommodate the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.