Gia Corley emerges as an integral part of new-look San Diego Wave

There were questions heading into this season on who was going to emerge as one of the top players for the San Diego Wave, given the departure of key players such as star defender Naomi Girma, forward Jaedyn Shaw and striker and former U.S. women’s national team captain Alex Morgan. In only two NWSL games, midfielder Gia Corley has made her presence on this team and the city clear early in the season.

On January 15, 2025, Corley was acquired from German Bundesliga, TSG Hoffenheim Frauen. She was signed to a two-year deal with the Wave.

San Diego Wave players embrace after Gia Corley scored a game winning goal at Snapdragon Stadium on Sat. March 22, 2025.
Photo: Nate Tubbs/Prost International

“I love my teammates,” Corley said. “It’s really fun playing with them. I think it’s just a good environment, I feel really comfortable…We trust each other and we are still at the beginning, so we hope it gets better, but it’s a good start.”

Corley has assisted on one goal and scored two goals in the Wave’s first two games. On March 15th, she scored the Wave’s first goal of the season in the fifth minute of the game vs Angel City FC at BMO Stadium. On Saturday against the Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium, her impact was felt early once again. She assisted on a goal scored by María Sánchez at the six minute mark.

Gia Corley, left, shoots the ball after intercepting a pass from Utah’s goalkeeper at Snapdragon Stadium on Sat. March 22, 2025. The ball would find the net to put San Diego on top 3-2 for a home opener win.
Photo: Nate Tubbs/Prost International

It was in the 74th minute when Corley turned their home opener from a disappointing would-be draw to a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The Royals, coming off two unanswered goals, blundered when goalkeeper Amanda McGlynn kicked a slow roller that Corley intercepted at the top of the box. Without hesitation, Corley went for a shot and scored.

“We want [Corley] in front of the goal,” Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan said. “She’s going to be lethal, so we need her up there.”

Gia Corley, second to the right, watches her shot roll past SD Wave keeper Kailen Sheridan during pregame warmups at Snapdragon Stadium on Sat. March 22, 2025.
Photo: Nate Tubbs/Prost International

Not only was this Corley’s first home game in San Diego, this is her first season playing in the United States.

She moved to Germany at a young age and then played for Bayern Munich from 2018-2021 and TSG Hoffenheim from 2021-2024. The 22-year-old also has also played for Germany’s youth national team, playing from the U-17 to the U-23 levels.

“For me, today was a dream come true,” Corley said. “I never played in front of that [many]people, so I appreciate it.”

The Wave travel to Florida to take on the Orlando Pride on March 29, and Corley looks to extend her scoring streak to three games.

Check out the match gallery here!