Carson Leighann Pickett is an American professional football player who plays as a left back for the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League.
Besides football, she also competed in track and field in high school.
She has a bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Florida State University.
She was born without a left forearm.
She was initially frustrated by the media focus on her "disability" but now views her platform as a blessing to inspire and promote diversity in sports.
She collaborated with Nike to create the Phantom GT Academy FlyEase boots, featuring an accessible design with a fold-down heel and wraparound strap, which she feels would have been transformative for her younger self and represents inclusivity for others with unique needs.
During the 2019 season, a viral Instagram photo captured Pickett "fist-bumping" a 2-year-old boy who, like her, was born without a left forearm and hand, both using their left arms for the gesture.
She comes from a sports family and always knew she was going to be an athlete. Her father played college football and her mother played college basketball.
She started playing football when she was five years old in a local neighborhood club.
She has a tattoo that says 'Imperfection is Beauty'.
She wanted to play football year-round, splitting her time between the NWSL and the W-League in Australia. She feels that playing continuously helps her stay mentally focused and fit.
After her football career, she plans to explore becoming a college coach, athletic advisor, or public speaker, and is also considering pursuing a master's degree.
She loves going to coffee shops and bakeries.
Growing up, her favorite sport was tennis.
Nike |
NWSL Challenge Cup | 1× |
NWSL Shield | 1× |
Year | Club | AP | GL |
---|---|---|---|
2024
-
present
|
Orlando Pride | 6 | 1 |
2023
-
2024
|
Racing Louisville | 44 | 2 |
2021
-
2023
|
North Carolina Courage | 56 | 1 |
2020
-
|
Apollon Limassol | ||
2017
-
2020
|
Brisbane Roar FC (loan) | 37 | 6 |
2018
-
2019
|
Orlando Pride | 39 | 0 |
2016
-
2017
|
Seattle Reign FC | 36 | 0 |
2012
-
2015
|
Florida State Seminoles | 103 | 7 |
International Stats | |||
2022
-
|
United States | 2 | 1 |
2015
-
|
United States U23 | ||
2010
-
|
United States U17 |