Report: Mallory Pugh to forego college soccer, turn pro

Pugh, who attended Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, became the youngest U.S. women’s soccer player ever to score a goal at the Olympics in August.
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Mallory Pugh will reportedly turn pro. (Matthew Emmons/USA Today Sports)

Colorado soccer star Mallory Pugh will reportedly turn pro at 18 years old. Pugh was set to play at UCLA this fall but has instead decided to leave the school before ever playing a game, according to Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated.

Pugh, who attended Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, became the youngest U.S. women's soccer player ever to score a goal at the Olympics in August.

It's unclear what National Women's Soccer League team Pugh will sign with — if she decides to stay in North America at all.

Wahl reported that the Washington Spirit has "the first crack" at signing Pugh.

"But SI.com has learned that Washington is not a preferred destination for Pugh," Wahl wrote. "Three sources close to the situation told SI.com that Portland was one of Pugh’s preferred destinations in the NWSL. But multiple sources said that destinations in France, including Lyon and PSG, were also in play if Pugh was not satisfied with what the NWSL was willing to offer."

Wahl added that Pugh will soon meet with representatives from Adidas and Nike to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

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