Ella Simpson
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ella G. Simpson[1] | ||
| Date of birth | July 21, 2002 | ||
| Place of birth | Orlando, Florida, USA | ||
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Fort Lauderdale United FC | ||
| Number | 18 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| – | The First Academy | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2020–2024 | Samford Bulldogs | 97 | (21) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2025 | Orlando Pride | 0 | (0) |
| 2025– | Fort Lauderdale United FC | 8 | (2) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
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Ella G. Simpson (born July 21, 2002) is an American soccer player who plays as a defender for Fort Lauderdale United FC of the USL Super League. She played collegiately for the Samford Bulldogs.
Early life
Simpson attended The First Academy in Orlando, Florida, where she was named both All-State and All-District, earned her team's Most Valuable Player and Best Player honors, and scored a total of 54 goals. She helped lead the team to a district championship and also a district runner-up finish.[2]
While at The First Academy, Simpson led her team to a 6–2 victory over Master’s Academy in a 2017 1A regional semifinal, scoring a hat trick and contributing to multiple goals in the second half.[3]
College
Over five seasons at Samford, Simpson started all 97 matches she played, recording 21 goals and 4 assists. She helped the Bulldogs win Southern Conference (SoCon) championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024, earning All‑Tournament Team honors each year.[4]
As a senior in 2024, she was named First Team All‑SoCon after scoring five goals, including the game-winner in the conference title match against the Western Carolina Catamounts. Following the championship, Simpson said of the team’s upcoming NCAA tournament matchup against top-ranked the Florida State Seminoles, “Even as a defender, it’s going to be so exciting to get the opportunity to go against some of the best forwards in the nation. It’s just a great way to put Samford on the map.”[5]
Professional career
Orlando Pride
Simpson signed a temporary injury-replacement contract with the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).[4]
Fort Lauderdale United FC
In August 2025, Simpson joined Fort Lauderdale United FC of the USL Super League ahead of the 2025–26 season. Her arrival was described by the club as a key addition to a “retooled back line.”[6]
Simpson made an immediate impact at Fort Lauderdale United. In September 2025, she led all defenders in the league with two goals and was tied for third in clearances. For her contributions, she was named to the USL Super League Team of the Month alongside teammates Kiara Locklear and Kelli Van Treeck.[7]
She scored a header in the 62nd minute to give Fort Lauderdale a 1-0 road victory over Spokane Zephyr FC — the club's first win of the 2025–26 season.[8]
The club cited her as one of three rookies powering the strong start to the season, noting her as a “well-rounded and dynamic defender” who started every match and played every minute in the early campaign.[9]
Style of Play
Simpson is noted for her versatility in defense—capable of playing centre-back or outside-back. Her aerial presence is marked due to her 5 ft 10 in (1.79 m) height, and she brings a scoring threat from set pieces. Additionally, she prides herself on being composed on the ball and contributing offensively when possible.[6]
Awards and honors
USL Super League
- Team of the Month: September 2025
Southern Conference
- First Team All-Conference: 2024
- All-Tournament Team: 2021, 2022
- All-Freshman Team: 2020–21
Personal life
She is the only person in her family not to have attended Florida State University. Her favorite foods include açaí bowls, tacos, and sushi. He favorite TV shows include The Office, Grey's Anatomy, and The Blacklist.[10]
References
- ↑ "2025 Samford University Spring Commencement". issuu.com. Samford University. p. 24. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ↑ "20 Ella Simpson". SamfordSports.com. Samford University. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ Collings, Buddy. "Oviedo holds off Lake Mary, TFA gets past Master's in girls soccer". Sun-Sentinel.com. Orlando Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Defender Ella Simpson Joins Fort Lauderdale United FC Ahead of 2025/26 Season". OurSportsCentral.com. Our Sports Central. August 22, 2025. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ Goffin, Isaac. "Samford soccer to play No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament". Yahoo.com. WIAT-Birmingham (NexStar Media Group). Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 FTL UTD Communications. "Defender Ella Simpson Joins Fort Lauderdale United FC Ahead of 2025/26 Season". FTLUTD.com. Fort Lauderdale United FC. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ "Locklear, Simpson & Van Treeck Named to September Team of the Month". OurSportsCentral.com. Our Sports Central. October 2, 2025. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ "Simpson Scores Again, Lifts Fort Lauderdale to First Victory of Season". OurSportsCentral.com. Our Sports Central. September 7, 2025. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ Kaufman, Michelle. "Fort Lauderdale United opens season with new players, high hopes". MiamiHerald.com. Miami Herald. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ "#18 Ella Simpson". FTLUTD.com. Fort Lauderdale United FC. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
External links
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