Gotham F Katie Lampson announces retirement at 34

Field Level Media|published: Tue 30th June, 11:33 2026

Nov 22, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Gotham FC forward Katie Stengel (28) before the NWSL championship game against the Washington Spirit at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Two-time NWSL champion Katie Lampson announced her retirement from professional soccer on Tuesday at age 34.

The Gotham FC forward also played professionally in Germany, Australia, Norway and England after a decorated career at Wake Forest. Her NWSL career also included stints with the Washington Spirit, Boston Breakers, Utah Royals and Houston Dash.

"Soccer has been my guiding light for the last 30 years," she posted on Instagram. "It presented opportunities to see the world, meet lifelong friends and grow as a person. Soccer helped me earn an education, become comfortable being uncomfortable in new environments and challenge myself every day.

"My career took many unpredictable turns, reminding me to accept my lack of control. I'm most proud that I learned to find an internal motivation and confidence amongst the chaos.

"I'm hanging 'em up, proud of all that this career has brought me -- the good, the bad, the highs and lows. I'll always be thankful for the journey and cherish the lessons learned. A special thank you to my family, who rode the coaster with me, supporting me no matter how far I traveled."

Lampson, nee Stengel, helped Gotham win NWSL championships in 2023 and 2025 with her playoff heroics.

"Katie has played an important role in some of the biggest moments in our club's history," said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC. "We are grateful for everything she has contributed to Gotham FC and congratulate her on an outstanding career."

In 2023, Lampson scored the game-winning goal in extra time of the NWSL playoff semifinal against the Portland Thorns to send Gotham to its first championship match. In the 2025 NWSL quarterfinals, she delivered the game-winning goal in the second half of extra time to beat the Kansas City Current.

She recorded nine goals and three assists in 67 matches (36 starts) with Gotham (2023-24, 2025-26). Her NWSL totals included 21 goals and eight assists in 163 matches across all competitions.

--Field Level Media

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