Alexa Christine Spaanstra

Alexa Christine Spaanstra is a talented American soccer player who currently plays as a right back for the Utah Royals in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). At 26 years of age, Alexa has quickly made a name for herself as a defensive backbone on the field, contributing significantly to her team's efforts in every match she plays. Although she primarily operates as a fullback, her past experience as a forward during her collegiate career with the Virginia Cavaliers has honed her versatility and tactical understanding of the game. In fact, she was a five-time All-ACC selection, which underscores her profound impact at the college level.

In her professional journey, Alexa was drafted by the Kansas City Current in the first round of the 2023 NWSL Draft, marking a significant step in her burgeoning career. Her strategic transfer to the Utah Royals, currently on loan from Portland Thorns FC, showcases her rising profile in the league. Although her current season stats reflect three games played and 129 minutes on the pitch, her influence extends beyond numbers. She has delivered a robust defensive performance, with possession-adjusted averages of 1.47 interceptions and 5.89 challenges per game, boasting a commendable 62% challenge success rate. Notably, her defensive contributions are complemented by an impressive ability to advance the ball, reflected in a progressive passing distance of 86.35 yards per game.

Alexa's playmaker rank of 1, the best possible rating, underscores her crucial role in linking defense with attack, despite her primarily defensive role. While her xG per game and assists per game remain low, it’s clear that her primary responsibilities on the field align with her defensive-minded player archetype. Her estimated transfer value of €122K is a testament to her growing influence and potential in the NWSL. As she continues to gain more experience and further develop her skills, Alexa Spaanstra is certainly a player to watch in women’s football.