Mallory Swanson added to Chicago Stars active roster for first time since maternity leave
U. S. women’s national team forward Mallory Swanson could soon make her first appearance for the Chicago Stars after 18 months away.
Swanson, who missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to pregnancy, was added to the active roster ahead of Chicago’s game against North Carolina Courage on Saturday. The team did not specify whether Swanson would start or how many minutes she could play. The 28-year-old forward was notably absent from the 2025 offseason before she and her husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, announced last May that they were expecting their first child.
The couple welcomed Josie in November 2025. The Colorado native is one of 28 mothers signed to active rosters in the NWSL. You read that right!
👀 Chicago Stars have moved forward Mallory Swanson to active roster. pic. twitter.
com/Zd23YJJaP3 — National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 15, 2026 Swanson is part of the U. S. front three, affectionately nicknamed “ Triple Espresso ,” that led the country to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.