Although Kaitlyn Torpey, a Matildas utility, only joined the San Diego Wave in February, the NWSL is already having a significant influence on her growth in front of her Olympic debut.
In addition to moving from Melbourne City in the A-League Women to San Diego, the 24-year-old had a busy 2024. She made her Matildas debut in Uzbekistan and then scored a goal in Melbourne to help Australia qualify for Paris 2024. Even though she hasn’t played much for the Wave due in part to a lower leg ailment that has interfered with her Olympic training, she told ESPN’s The Far Post podcast that things are “going well and should be all good from here” and that playing in the NWSL has already improved her game.
“It’s been a really big challenge. And I’m up against some pretty world class players every week,” Torpey said.
“I’m lucky enough that we get to verse some of them in the Olympics now, so I’ll know them pretty well.”
Torpey was constantly keeping an eye on the NWSL and like the “competitive” nature of the league. “It’s a really quality league, and that’s why it’s attracting these players again, and seeing really, really quality players and coaches and everybody.”
On game day, Torpey not only faces those elite players, but he also gets to train with them in the San Diego climate. She will be joined in the Olympics by athletes such as Naomi Girma, Jaedyn Shaw, Kailen Sheridan, and Emily van Egmond, her teammate from Matildas. Alex Morgan provides a top-notch training environment.
On the pivotal third matchday in Marseille, she will face her American counterparts, and although she is thrilled about all of the teams in the group, she has her sights set on one in particular. “I guess the US I’m a little bit more excited to play, because I know some of the girls in the team, and I’ve versed some of the girls in our league. They’re going to be a really good side as well,” Torpey said the podcast of ESPN.
