SANFORD, Fla. — The Orlando Pride kick off their National Women’s Soccer League regular season at 3 p.m. Sunday at Inter&Co Stadium, taking on the Seattle Reign.

Among the newcomers to the team is forward Solai Washington, who signed a two-year, free-agent contract with the Pride through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028.

What You Need To Know

Solai Washington will make her professional soccer debut with the Pride when they open the season Sunday

She spent two seasons at Florida State, winning the national championship in 2025

She signed a two-year contract with a mutual option for the 2028 season with the Orlando Pride

Washington joins the Pride after two years at Florida State. She played in 23 games for the Seminoles, scoring three goals and helping the Seminoles win the women’s NCAA College Cup in December 2025.

“It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s also been a dream come true. I was still recovering my toe. So, I was mainly trying to focus on that. But then, obviously, with the Pride opportunity coming, like, just super excited,” Washington said during training camp.

She said she believes the Pride is a great fit for her.

“Their vision for me, and talking with (Pride coach) Seb (Hines), his vision for me, what he thinks that I can improve on, align really well with what I think about myself,” Washington said.

Hines spoke highly of Washington during training camp.

“(The club is) Bringing in an individual who brings a lot of qualities, both on the dribble and ability to shoot with both feet,” Hines said. “She’s still at a very young age, and so there’s that grace period that every young player needs. But she can certainly be an impactful player for us.”

Washington is no stranger to the big moment. In addition to the title with the Seminoles, she represented Jamaica in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at just 17 years old, making three appearances in the tournament.

“I’m super excited to see where I can be at by the time the World Cup comes around. Wanting to make as big of an imprint in the World Cup as I can,” Washington said.

She said that the culture in Orlando is a big reason why she chose to come to the city.

Next up is her professional debut, one that she has been anticipating for a long time.

“Surreal experience. I haven’t even fully been able to think that far ahead because I just like to be where I am right now, but it’s going to be a dream come true,” Washington said.