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Celia BalfJan 15, 2025FEATURESPlayer ProfilesJ. ShawSan Diego Wave FCNWSLUSANorth Carolina Courage

Why Jaedyn Shaw's trade to North Carolina Courage is the right move at the right time for NWSL, USWNT star

Following in the footsteps of Lynn Williams, Jessica McDonald and Crystal Dunn, Shaw joins Courage as next big star

Where would one of the most promising stars in the NWSL go if they could play anywhere?

Jaedyn Shaw, the USWNT forward and one of the best young talents to come through the U.S. soccer system, had her eye on one club in particular. While many would assume Shaw would target the best club or the most popular franchise, that wasn't the case. Shaw's destination of choice? North Carolina.

The San Diego Wave this week completed the trade of Shaw to the North Carolina Courage, one of the NWSL's longest standing clubs, but not specifically known for being the "best" or even contending in the past few years for an NWSL Shield or Championship. In fact, the last time the Courage won an NWSL championship was 2019, the same year they also won the Shield.

From 2017-2019, the Courage were the top of the league standings and were successful because of the scoring power that was Lynn Williams. Perhaps Shaw sees similar potential for herself with the Courage - not to mention that the club is certainly in need of some attacking players to complement Ashley Sanchez and Brazilian international Kerolin.

Under the new NWSL collective bargaining agreement, players have the ability to request a trade, and must approve any deal. It has been widely reported that Shaw had asked to be dealt, and clearly agreed with the move to the Courage. INDIVISA looks at four reasons why Shaw's move to North Carolina is a great step for her professional career.

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    Courage forwards paved the path

    Lynn Willians, Jessica McDonald and Crystal Dunn are all prolific goal scorers who have many things in common. One - and the most relevant here - is that they all had their careers take off with the North Carolina Courage.

    Shaw - known for her attacking mindset, ability to get out of tight spaces, and just a natural nose for the goal - is positioned to be the go-to scorer for the Courage, something the club has been missing for quite some time. This past season, although not ill-equipped with attacking talent, the team still fell below the top five in goals scored.

    The Courage totaled 34 goals in 27 games played, and were primarily reliant on Sanchez for finding the back of the net. In 2023, Kerolin was the Courage's go-to for scoring goals, earning the league's MVP honor and finishing the season with 10 goals in 19 minutes played.

    Courage head coach Sean Nahas was thrilled to welcome Shaw to the squad, and expressed his excitement around her fitting into the team's established style of play.

    "She is someone who has every tool at such a young age and will be a key part of our club," Nahas said. "Her quality on the ball, both in possession and on the dribble, along with her levels in and around the box can unlock opposition. She suits our style of play and our supporters will be able to see one of the top young talents every week.

    "We can’t wait to welcome this truly gifted player and even better person to our team. It’s a great day for us and we look forward to having Jaedyn in Courage Country."

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    Investment

    Shaw's trade to the Courage is one of the NWSL's biggest ever. The Wave received $300,000 in allocation money, $150,000 in intra-league transfer funds, and an international roster spot for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

    The deal includes performance-based incentives, with the Courage potentially sending up to $75,000 in additional allocation money in exchange for up to $150,000 in intra league transfer fees.

    What the trade has shows, beyond Shaw wanting to be dealt, is the club's clear investment in doubling down in top talent and star power. While the Courage have been one of the best across the league in passing and posession stats, the missing area is the ability to score goals.

    This trade is not only an investment financially, which is one of the biggest ever in NWSL, but also in a player who's ability has the potential to transform a club falling below the ranks in recent years.

    “I am so grateful to be here and to call North Carolina home," Shaw said in a statement. "I’m excited to experience a new style of play and to learn and grow alongside amazing players and coaches. I can’t wait to get to work and help bring another championship to Courage Country."

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    History of success

    While the most recent years haven't been exceptional for the Courage, the club does have a long history of success. From 2017 through 2019, the Courage were NWSL Shield winners and NWSL champions on two occasions. While there was a scandal that shook the club to it's core, the rebuilding has been done in stride. Signing top players such as Sanchez, Kerolin, and now Shaw is a testament to that, as well as when Nahas took over as coach in 2022.

    The area surrounding the Courage is home to the most decorated women's college soccer program in history, the North Carolina Tar Heels. At the club level as well, the state has a long history of success with its academy and youth programs. Before Shaw decided to go pro, in fact, she was committed the Tar Heels at 14-years-old. Perhaps being near Anson Dorrance Field is on Shaw's childhood bucket list.

    The area, the club, and the academies that feed into the club have a long history of success, and pride themselves on a possession style of play that continues to grow some of the sport's biggest stars.

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    Room to build

    There's no doubt that there is room to build on the Courage roster. While Shaw is expected to have an immediate impact, it's not only a great move for her individually, but will also help the club reach new heights. With both Sanchez and Shaw up top, we're looking at two of the most attacking minded, creative 10s in the sport, working alongside one another.

    Shaw's trade to North Carolina will also be massive because of how well she holds the ball up, something crucial in a possession based team looking to play to feet, and bouncing the ball off the 9 and 10. Having this kind of star power up top also opens up the midfield and defense to build, and not be in a constant transition but rather support, build up the field, and find a moving target.

    As the transfer market continues to shake up, it's going to be anyone's game come the NWSL's spring season, which puts the Courage in a promising position to turn their league standings around.