At just 20 years old, Jaedyn Shaw has already had a career most soccer players would dream about.
The first Vietnamese American to play for the U.S. women’s national team, Shaw has an Olympic gold medal, a U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year award, an NWSL Shield and Challenge Cup win - all within her first three years as a pro. Those things have come as the attacking midfielder has dazzled with her skills on the pitch.
As part of the "Glow for Glory" competition, INDIVISA is taking a look at a “Move of the Week’ and a player that made it famous. This week, we’re looking at one Shaw has perfected: the outside foot chop.
“The chop” is a technique used to quickly change directions and move away from a defender while simultaneously maintaining control of the ball. In the move, the outside of the foot is used to chop the ball, moving it in the opposite direction of the defender.
It’s something that Shaw can do seamlessly. Such footwork is what led her to turn pro at just 17. She became just the second player in NWSL history to score in each of their first three league appearances. She also became the youngest player to score on debut.
The accomplishments for Shaw continued as she became the first player in the USWNT’s history to score in the first four international starts. Shaw places emphasis on footwork in training, including working on being able to maintain control with her chop.
But Shaw’s journey to soccer was an unusual one. Speaking with The INDIVISA Show, Shaw noted that “soccer was it from the very beginning,” starting out playing three-on-three against boys. Playing futsal, however, helped solidify her love for the game - and give her an edge.
“Futsal is where it really became serious,” she said. “And that was honestly where I found my love for the game. It was like going to Brazil, Barcelona … we played against Barcelona in Barcelona for a tournament. I think getting to experience that kind of passion for the game and such IQ. Futsal, everything's so small and you have to make such precise passes that I feel shows up so much in my game.
“I think that's what made me the player that I am today, is my days as a futsal player.”
Embracing the journey, and having hers look different than others, is something that has defined Shaw. She struggled to start the season for the Courage, but had has two goals early - and will be looking to build on those numbers following her recent trade to Gotham FC.
“It's just remembering why I play,” Shaw said when asked on The Indivisa Show how she gets through setbacks. “Because I love it. Because I want to be a role model for the next generation. Because I want to continue to grow women's sports, women's soccer. I want to be a part of that. And I think that's just what keeps me going, knowing that I'm playing for something that's not just about me, it's about the next generation.”
INDIVISA
Her 2023 season remains her best in the NWSL, when she ranked first in through balls and in the top 10 in multiple categories, including goals, xG/90, and key passes. She’ll be looking to replicate that form with her new team, delivering immediately with a goal for Gotham earlier this month.
As for what comes next for Shaw, continuing to evolve as a player and as a person is paramount. Finding her way back on on the USWNT and making the major tournaments is among her goals. And leaving the sport better than she found it - all while inspiring the next generation and being part of the growth of women’s sports.
“It's an incredible time to be a part of women's sports,” she told INDIVISA, “and just continuing to see the growth and investment in us is amazing and I want to be a part of that in the future… Partnering with e.l.f. means I get to represent all of who I am - Vietnamese, Black, athlete, creative.
“I want girls to see that you don’t have to choose one version of yourself. Confidence comes from being your full self.”
As for her advice for those that will come after her?
“Embrace that your journey may look different, because mine has, and just run with it,” she said. “Take all the pressure off, just enjoy the moment and have fun. I think that's when I play the best, is when I have a smile on my face, when I'm having fun, when I'm in flow state
"It's a game and losses are going to happen, wins are going to happen. You just have to persevere through and just enjoy.”
PREVIOUS: Melanie Barcenas’ double scissor
Do you want to #GlowForGlory and be part of the next generations of changemakers? Submit video of YOUR signature move.
The deadline to submit is Oct. 12, with 11 semifinalists announced by Oct. 19.