Meghan Klingenberg is a distinguished American professional soccer player renowned for her exceptional skills as a defender. She began her illustrious career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a four-year starter for the Tar Heels. During her tenure, Klingenberg showcased her versatility by playing across various positions, contributing to her team’s success with 18 goals and 24 assists. Her outstanding performance earned her numerous accolades, including NSCAA All-American honors and a spot on the All-ACC team.

In 2011, Klingenberg was selected in the first round of the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) draft by the Washington Freedom. She quickly made her mark in the league, playing for teams such as the Boston Breakers and Western New York Flash, where she won the 2012 Women’s Premier Soccer League Elite. Following the dissolution of the WPS, Klingenberg transitioned to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she played for the Houston Dash and later the Portland Thorns FC, further solidifying her reputation as a top-tier defender.

Klingenberg’s international career is equally impressive, having represented the United States women’s national soccer team at various levels, including U-16, U-20, and U-23. She made her senior debut in 2011 and was a key player in the U.S. team’s triumph at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting in every match of the tournament. Her contributions to the national team have been recognized with multiple honors, including being named an alternate for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Beyond her on-field achievements, Klingenberg has been an advocate for women’s sports, participating in negotiations for image rights for the U.S. Women’s National Team. She co-founded Re-inc, a gender-neutral lifestyle brand, and has been featured in the EA Sports’ FIFA video game series. Klingenberg’s dedication to the sport and her community continues to inspire future generations of athletes, making her a prominent figure in women’s soccer.