What started as a shared journey in the Phoenix Rising FC ECNL program has now come full circle, as former Phoenix Rising FC ECNL teammates Maggie Cagle and Kate Faasse have each signed their first professional contracts following their collegiate careers.
Cagle is set to begin her professional career overseas in Sweden with Vittsjö GIK, while Faasse takes the next step in the NWSL with the Houston Dash. Their signings represent not only individual achievements, but also the continued success of the Rising pathway from youth soccer to the professional game.
Maggie Cagle | Phoenix Rising FC ➜ University of Virginia ➜ Vittsjö GIK
Cagle played her four-year career at the University of Virginia, appearing in 81 matches and starting 72 of them. Over her collegiate career, she recorded 30 goals and 30 assists, highlighting her consistency and attacking influence for the Cavaliers.
In her senior season, Cagle was tied for the team’s leading goal scorer with 11 goals, also earning All-ACC Second Team honors, and helped guide Virginia to the NCAA DI I Playoffs.
Paul Taylor on Maggie Cagle:
“I’m beyond thrilled to see Maggie sign her first professional contract. Maggie was outstanding as a player and role model to our players in her time at Rising, followed by an exceptional career at UVA. I know she is excited about the challenge and will go and make a name for herself.”
Kate Faasse | Phoenix Rising FC ➜ UNC ➜ Houston Dash
Faasse closes her collegiate career as one of the most accomplished players in the nation, and the first from Arizona to win the MAC Hermann Trophy. A standout at the University of North Carolina, she finished with 35 goals in 88 appearances and was named the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner, the highest individual honor in NCAA women’s soccer.
During the Tar Heels championship run, Faasse led the nation with 20 goals, powering the Tar Heels to the NCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship.
Kelly Cagle, on Kate:
“Congrats to Kate on signing her first professional contract. I am so proud of her and beyond excited to see what’s next. Kate was an amazing player and ambassador for the Rising youth club, and her college career at UNC was outstanding. Kate has created this career for herself throughout all her stages, and I can’t wait to see what is next for her! The sky’s the limit.”
From sharing the field as Rising teammates to starring on some of the biggest stages in college soccer, Maggie Cagle and Kate Faasse now take the next step, one in Europe, one in the NWSL. Their journeys from youth to pro are a testament to the pathways we provide at Phoenix Rising, and a reminder of what is possible when ambition, opportunity and development.
