For the second time in the last three weeks, the San Diego Wave and one of their top players have mutually agreed to part ways.
This time, it’s winger Delphine Cascarino. The club announced on Sunday that the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League MVP finalist is departing due to what Cascarino called “personal considerations.” The French national said she wants to continue her career closer to her home.
Cascarino joined the Wave in the summer of 2024, shortly after representing France in the Paris Olympics. She started 30 of 34 possible matches in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Cascarino was at her best last season, leading the Wave with 11 goal contributions (goals plus assists) as San Diego qualified for the NWSL playoffs.
The 27-year-old Cascarino said Sunday that “every moment of my time in San Diego is something I will always cherish.”
“Playing for this club, this city, and in front of such a passionate fan base made this decision incredibly difficult. However, due to personal considerations, the next step in my career needs to be closer to home at this time,” she said. “I’m grateful to the Wave for their understanding and support, and I will always look back on my time in San Diego with pride and appreciation.”
Said Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton: “From the outset, we understood that if returning closer to home ever became a priority for Delphine, we would approach that situation with care and respect. After thoughtful conversations with Delphine and her representatives, it was clear it was important to her to be close to home at this time. We’re grateful for her contributions and wish her nothing but the best.”
Cascarino is the second Wave standout to part ways with the club this offseason. In late December, the club announced it had mutually parted ways with goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who had started nearly every match since joining the club in 2022.
The Wave’s Delphine Cascarino reacts to a missed goal attempt against Washington Spirit in the final minutes of the second half at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
San Diego has been rebuilding its roster since Ashton was hired 18 months ago. Star forward Alex Morgan retired, defender Naomi Girma was sold to an English club and midfielder Jaedyn Shaw was dealt to the North Carolina Courage after requesting a trade out of San Diego.
Cascarino’s departure may help better explain the club’s move to acquire star forward Ludmila from the Chicago Stars last week. The Wave surrendered as much as $1 million — $800,000 in general allocation money with a chance for that to grow by another $200,000 depending on how she fares — for the rights to the Brazilian goal-scorer, then signed her to a new, three-year contract. Ludmila will now team with countrywoman Dudinha in the attack, with Adriana Leon, Trinity Byars and San Diego native Melanie Barcenas also competing for playing time at the forward spots.
The Wave open their 2026 season on March 14 with a home game against the Houston Dash.