At just 22 years old, Karlie Lema is already making waves in the world of professional soccer. Playing as a striker for Bay FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), her journey from a small-town girl to an emerging star is nothing short of inspiring.
Born on June 29, 2003, in Morgan Hill, California, Karlie's athletic prowess was evident early on. Growing up with four siblings and parents who were both athletes—her father played football at San Jose City College while her mother excelled in track—she was surrounded by sports. Interestingly enough, she didn’t start playing soccer until she was ten years old; before that, gymnastics and track filled her days.
Her talent quickly shone through during her high school years at Live Oak High School where she not only starred on the soccer team but also competed in track and volleyball. Her achievements included being named Blossom Valley Athletic League MVP three times—a testament to her dedication and skill despite facing hip issues that sidelined her for 18 months prior to college.
In eighth grade, Lema committed to play for the University of California, Berkeley—a decision that would set the stage for an impressive collegiate career. As a Golden Bear from 2021 to 2024, she became a key player right out of the gate. Scoring six goals as a freshman earned her recognition on the Pac-12 all-freshman team.
However, it wasn’t without challenges; after undergoing surgery for hip labrum repair following her freshman year, many wondered how she'd bounce back. But bounce back she did! By senior year (2024), Lema led California with an astounding total of sixteen goals across twenty-one appearances—an achievement that crowned her ACC Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-ACC honors.
After finishing college ball strong with remarkable stats—including ranking first nationally with thirteen goals over ten games early into that season—Lema signed with Bay FC on December 30th, 2024. She made quite an entrance into professional soccer when she debuted against Utah Royals shortly thereafter, before scoring her first goal just one week later against Racing Louisville—a moment marked by sheer determination as she dribbled nearly seventy yards before finding netting from outside the box.
On top of club success lies another layer: international experience. Having represented various U.S youth national teams since age fifteen—including standout performances like scoring hat tricks at tournaments—she's now training alongside potential future teammates within under-23 ranks as they prepare together toward bigger competitions ahead.
As we watch this young athlete’s trajectory unfold—from overcoming injuries to dominating collegiate fields—it’s clear Karlie Lema embodies resilience paired beautifully with raw talent destined not only for personal accolades but also paving pathways forward within women’s sports.