Abby Elinsky

Sydney Abigail Elinsky was born on January 8, 1996, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She developed her soccer skills at a young age, playing for Cleveland United SC. During her time at Rocky River High School in Ohio, Elinsky distinguished herself by earning NSCAA All-American honors and was named the 2013-2014 Gatorade Ohio Girls Soccer Player of the Year. As a forward, she set a school record with 43 goals in 2013, contributing to the Rocky River Pirates’ first state championship victory. Her early career highlights established a foundation for her future in professional soccer.

Elinsky began her collegiate soccer career in 2014 at the University of Illinois for her freshman year, where she played in 20 games and scored 2 goals. She then transferred to the University of North Carolina, playing for the Tar Heels from 2015 to 2017. During her time at North Carolina, she played predominantly as a holding midfielder but was recognized for her versatility, also playing in defense or as a forward. She played in 62 games for the Tar Heels, scoring 3 goals, and majored in exercise and sport science. Her college career culminated with North Carolina winning the ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament in 2017.

Abby Elinsky was drafted 30th overall by the Houston Dash in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. After a brief period, she signed with Orlando Pride in March 2018 on a National Team Replacement contract, making her professional debut on April 15 of that year. Later, in July 2018, she moved to France to join Division 2 Féminine side ASPTT Albi, where she scored 6 goals in 12 appearances. Elinsky returned to Orlando Pride for the 2019 season, signing to the senior roster on April 10, 2019, and played 18 games. She was waived at the end of the 2020 season.