Gotham FC Role Model Jaedyn Shaw Has Blazed Her Own Path

Gotham FC forward Jaedyn Shaw may have only just turned 21, but she possesses a wisdom that goes beyond her years.

Shaw’s experiences growing up in a cramped one-bedroom apartment in Frisco, Texas, combined with the sacrifices that her parents made so that she could reach the highest level of the women’s game, have shaped her.

There was a time when Shaw, her brother and parents squeezed every penny to afford the travel costs, equipment, registration fees and expenses required for Shaw to have the best opportunity to realize her dream.

Shaw is keenly aware of who she represents every time that she takes the pitch for Gotham and the United States women’s national team. Her mother Ann migrated to the United States from Vietnam , and her father Lance is an African-American.

Her multiracial background means that she’s a trailblazer. Shaw understands the responsibility that she carries and how she can inspire those who want to follow in her footsteps. Shaw became the first Vietnamese-American to represent the U.S. women’s national team.

On Friday, ahead of Saturday’s NWSL Championship match against the Washington Spirit, she spoke of the importance of serving as a role model for the next generation.

"One of my motivations is just being a role model for all those little kids that may look like me or have a similar background or just want to be in this position, I think it's so important,” Shaw said. “I didn't have that representation growing up, so just being that for someone else is so special. Being in this moment, I’ve never made it to the championship of the NWSL before. So, it’s just so special to be here and a part of this group at this stage.”

Since Jaedyn was able to reach the heights of the NWSL and a place with the USWNT , there are young girls out there who will be inspired by her unique journey.

Shaw has played a part in every goal in Gotham’s run to the NWSL Championship game. Her September switch to Gotham from the North Carolina Courage set a league record with $1.25 million in intraleague transfer fees .

She hasn’t shown any sign of feeling the pressure that came with her big move to New York or her record-breaking transfer.

“For me, it’s been a really smooth transition with the team,” Shaw said. “I appreciate how the staff put a lot of meetings at the front end of it. So, it allowed me to get up to speed really quickly. Also, playing games helps. Obviously, I’ve gotten close with a lot of the girls really quickly. On the field, as well, that’s really important. I think just being able to get in and play games, jumping into those scenarios and building that chemistry quickly was something that really helped along the way, as well.”

USWNT Star Has Been Integral to Gotham’s Run to the Championship Game

Shaw has displayed incredible chemistry with her Gotham teammates. She is only one of nine players in NWSL history to record three goal contributions in a single season.

Her 97th-minute free-kick winner against Orlando in the semifinals was the latest regulation goal in NWSL postseason history.

Shaw is enjoying the ride alongside established veterans like Rose Lavelle , Emily Sonnett , Katie Stengel , Midge Purce , Esther Gonzalez and Ann-Katrin Berger .

“It’s not very hard to come in and be a part of this group and enjoy it,” Shaw said. “Like I’ve said before, it feels like a sisterhood on and off the field. It’s really great to be part of this team.”

Gotham will need to play together as a cohesive unit for 90 minutes and perhaps beyond, given the late drama of previous victories against Kansas City and Orlando.

"For us, we have such an incredible amount of experience on our team," Shaw said. "I think you could just tell everybody knows exactly what they need to do going into every game. Mentality is such a big thing. It's something that's going to carry us through the hard moments and the great moments."

San Jose’s PayPal Park will host the championship match between Gotham and Washington. The match will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.