Washington senior midfielder Kelsey Branson has signed a professional contract with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current, the club announced on Mar. 21. Branson earned the contract following a preseason trial as a non-roster invitee.
Branson’s move to the NWSL is significant for both her career and the University of Washington program. She becomes the sixth former Husky on an active NWSL roster and is the third to sign with a league club this winter, joining Kolo Suliafu (Kansas City Current) and Kalea Eichenberger (Utah Royals).
“We are so excited for Kelsey,” said UW head coach Nicole Van Dyke. “She’s earned this, and I know I speak for our staff and team when I say we couldn’t be more proud or happier for her.”
During her four-year tenure at Washington, Branson was a consistent presence in midfield, starting the final 72 matches of her collegiate career. She played a key role in helping lead Washington to both the Big Ten Double and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2025. In that season, she was named Third Team All-Big Ten and received United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors after recording five goals and three assists.
Van Dyke praised Branson’s leadership qualities: “Kelsey is a relentless worker and an exceptional leader, and her versatility only added to the impact she made on this program. What she’s done for this program over the last four years has been truly meaningful. More than anything, she elevated the people around her and helped build something that will last well beyond her time here. Her character, humility, and selflessness are what truly set her apart.” Van Dyke also highlighted Branson’s reliability: “She showed up every single day committed, ready to compete, and always put the team first. Most importantly, she was someone we could always count on when it mattered most. KC, you got another great one!”
Branson joins other UW alumni currently playing in the NWSL: Shae Holmes (Seattle Reign FC), Olivia Sekany (Racing Louisville FC), and Summer Yates (Orlando Pride). Her professional debut with Kansas City is scheduled for Sunday against Chicago Stars FC.
The addition of Branson continues a trend of Washington Huskies players advancing to professional soccer careers.
