Soccer star Mallory Swanson, husband Dansby expecting first child

Chicago sports power couple Mallory and Dansby Swanson are expecting their first child.

Mallory Swanson is a forward for the Chicago Stars of the National Women's Soccer League and the U.S. Women's National Team; her husband is the All-Star shortstop for the Cubs.

They made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, with Mallory holding a strip of ultrasound photos. They didn't reveal the baby's gender or due date.

"Our greatest blessing," the caption read.

Congratulations Mal & Dansby! Can't wait to meet your baby Star. ?? pic.twitter.com/XTGSaAAI8D

— Chicago Stars FC (@theChicagoStars) May 7, 2025

Mallory, 27, did not participate in preseason NWSL camp and has been away from the Stars all season. She didn't disclose the reason for her absence, other than to say it was a personal matter.

"I'd like to thank the club and the fans for their understanding during this time," she said in a January statement. "I appreciate the kindness and encouragement from my teammates and all the Stars staff and hope to be back with the team and playing in front of our fans as soon as I can."

Swanson (nee Pugh) scored seven goals with four assists in 25 games for the Stars last season. With the USWNT, she scored the lone goal in the gold-medal match against Brazil in the 2024 Olympics and scored four times in the tournament.

A key contributor on the winning 2019 World Cup team, she did not play in the 2023 event because of a serious knee injury.

In 103 caps with the USWNT since 2016, Swanson has scored 38 goals. In 100 NWSL games with the Washington Spirit (2017-19), Sky Blue FC (2020) and Stars, she has scored 33 goals.

--Field Level Media