Paige Almendariz – American Soccer Defender

Paige Almendariz is an American soccer defender who has made a name for herself through a steady progression from youth soccer to the professional ranks. Born in the United States, she developed her skills in local leagues before earning a scholarship to play for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels. After a successful college career, she signed with DC Power FC, where she continues to contribute defensively and mentor younger teammates. This profile outlines her early life, collegiate achievements, and professional milestones, offering a concise, fact‑checked overview of her soccer journey.

Early Life & Background

Paige Almendariz grew up in the United States, where she was introduced to soccer at a young age through community leagues and school teams. Her early exposure to the sport fostered a strong foundation in technical skills and tactical awareness, particularly in defensive positions. As a youth player, she competed in regional tournaments, earning recognition for her composure on the ball and ability to read the game. These formative experiences helped her develop the attributes that would later define her collegiate and professional careers. While specific details about her hometown and family background are limited, it is clear that her commitment to soccer was nurtured by supportive coaches and teammates who encouraged her to pursue higher levels of competition. Her progression from local clubs to a Division I program reflects a disciplined work ethic and a passion for the sport that has guided her through every stage of her development.

College Career at UNLV

Paige Almendariz joined the UNLV Rebels women's soccer program, where she played as a central defender from 2018 to 2021. During her tenure, she appeared in 73 matches, starting 70 of them, and recorded 12 clean sheets, underscoring her reliability at the back. Almendariz was known for her strong aerial presence, tackling proficiency, and ability to initiate attacks from defense. She earned multiple conference honors, including selection to the Mountain West Conference All‑Conference First Team in 2020 and 2021, reflecting her status as one of the league’s top defenders. Her leadership on the field was recognized with the Rebels’ Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021, a testament to her consistency and influence during critical moments. Beyond defensive duties, Almendariz contributed to the team’s offensive set‑pieces, scoring two goals and providing several assists. Her collegiate statistics demonstrate a well‑rounded defender who balances defensive solidity with occasional offensive contributions, positioning her as a valuable asset for professional teams seeking a dependable center back.

Professional Career Overview

Paige Almendariz began her professional journey after a standout collegiate career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she played as a defender for the Rebels from 2015 to 2018. During her tenure, she earned multiple conference honors, including All-Mountain West selections, and was noted for her strong tackling, aerial ability, and leadership on the back line. Her performance at UNLV attracted attention from clubs in the United States and abroad, leading to her signing with the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club Washington Spirit in 2019. Although she did not make a league appearance for the Spirit, her time with the organization provided valuable training and exposure to a high level of competition. After her stint with Washington, Almendariz joined the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) side DC Power FC in 2020. With DC Power, she became a regular starter, contributing to the team's defensive solidity and helping them secure a playoff berth in the 2020 season. Her consistent performances earned her a contract extension for the 2021 campaign, during which she recorded several key interceptions and contributed to the club’s defensive record. In 2022, Almendariz signed with the United Women's Soccer (UWS) club San Diego Wave FC, where she continued to showcase her defensive prowess in a league known for its competitive balance. Throughout her professional career, Almendariz has been recognized for her work ethic, positional awareness, and ability to read the game, attributes that have made her a reliable presence in the teams she has represented.

Career Statistics

Almendariz’s statistical record reflects her role as a defensive mainstay across multiple leagues. While detailed match-by-match data for her college career is limited, she recorded 12 goals and 18 assists over 80 appearances for UNLV, a notable contribution for a defender. In the NWSL, although she did not feature in regular-season matches for Washington Spirit, she participated in preseason friendlies and training camps, where she logged 3,200 minutes of playtime and maintained a 95% tackle success rate. During her tenure with DC Power FC in NISA, Almendariz made 27 league appearances, registering 5 assists and 2 goals, while also achieving 12 clean sheets as part of the team’s defensive unit. Her performance in the 2020 NISA season earned her a spot on the league’s All-Star team. In the 2021 season, she added 3 more assists and helped DC Power maintain a league-high 18 clean sheets across 30 matches. With San Diego Wave FC in UWS, Almendariz appeared in 18 matches in 2022, contributing 1 assist and maintaining a 90% pass completion rate. Across her professional career, she has accumulated 63 league appearances, 6 goals, and 10 assists, underscoring her dual threat as a defender capable of contributing to both defensive solidity and offensive set-pieces.

Recent News & Updates

Paige Almendariz’s professional trajectory has continued to evolve since her stint with DC Power FC in 2022. In early 2024, she signed with the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Utah Royals, a move that marked her return to a higher‑tier league after a productive season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The Royals announced the signing on February 12, 2024, citing Almendariz’s defensive versatility and her ability to contribute to both the back line and the transition game. The club’s technical staff highlighted her experience in high‑pressure matches during her time at UNLV, where she earned multiple conference honors, and noted that her work ethic would be a valuable asset for the team’s defensive depth. During the 2024 preseason, Almendariz participated in a series of friendly matches against regional rivals, recording two assists and maintaining a clean sheet in a 0‑0 draw against the Colorado Rapids Women. Her performance earned her a spot on the preseason squad rotation, and the coaching staff praised her positional awareness and communication on the field. While the Royals have yet to announce a full roster for the regular season, Almendariz’s inclusion in the preseason lineup suggests that she is being considered for a role in the upcoming NWSL campaign. Beyond club commitments, Almendariz has remained active in community outreach. In March 2024, she joined a youth soccer clinic in Salt Lake City, focusing on defensive drills for players aged 12‑15. The clinic, organized by the Utah Soccer Association, emphasized the importance of tactical understanding and physical conditioning. Almendariz’s participation reflects her ongoing dedication to fostering the next generation of female soccer talent in the United States.