COLUMBUS, Ohio – Former Ohio State forward Kayla Fischer has inked her first professional contract, signing a two-year deal with Racing Louisville FC. The Kent, Ohio native was the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft in January.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be signing with Racing,” Fischer said. “I can’t wait to represent this team and this city.”
“We were a little surprised but more than happy that we had the chance to take Kayla with the 16th pick in the draft,” said Racing head coach Kim Björkegren. “In our eyes, she was one of the most talented players in the draft, and she has already showed she is ready to take the next step. Her first touch is high quality, and she is always really dangerous in the final third. I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with her, and her future is really bright.”
Fischer has impressed in preseason, including two goals against NWSL opponents over the past month. She rang up an outstanding goal in Racing’s 3-2 win Feb. 18 win over the Chicago Red Stars, curling in a 20-yard effort with her right foot. On Wednesday, Fischer was one of the players of the match after coming on as a halftime substitute against OL Reign, scoring five minutes into her shift with a deflected right-footed shot from the edge of the box.
Fischer’s signing adds depth to a talented midfield, joining a group that includes young American stars Savannah DeMelo and Jaelin Howell, Brazilian international Ary Borges, Australian international Alex Chidiac and Chinese international Wang Shuang.
Racing’s first selection in this year’s draft, Fischer left her mark at Ohio State, tallying 28 goals and 20 assists in five seasons with the Buckeyes. She was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a 2018 Big Ten All-Freshman honoree. She helped Ohio State reach four NCAA Tournaments.
Louisville’s 2023 campaign will play out over the next seven months, starting with the regular-season opener at Houston on March 26 and concluding in mid-October. In total, Racing will play at least 28 games – 22 in the NWSL season and at least six in the NWSL Challenge Cup
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