Malia Berkely | QueenBallers Player profile

Malia

Berkely

Feb 13, 1998

#7 - Defender

Malia Nicole Berkely is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center back for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women's Soccer League.

Did You Know?

She started playing soccer at age four with the YMCA.

Her father, Todd Berkely, coached her high school soccer team at Father Stephen T. Badin High School, giving them a special player-coach relationship.

Malia (center on the ball) and Todd (far left) Berkely pose for a photo with their team.

As a defender in high school, she scored an impressive 66 goals across four seasons, showcasing her attacking abilities despite primarily playing in the backline.

On September 8, 2024, she became the first player in NWSL history to provide three assists in a single half, achieving the feat in a 4–1 win over San Diego Wave FC.

She trained with the U.S. youth national teams at the U-14, U-15, U-17, U-18, and U-19 levels, gaining experience against top international competition.

She earned a black belt in martial arts in 2023.

She married RJ Gerhardt on December 17, 2023.

Her favorite players growing up were Luka Modric and Stevie Gerrard.

She mentioned her favorite things is her mom's ring. She has worn birthstone ring every day for years as a reminder of her family, feeling it was meant to be since garnet is also FSU’s school color. She originally found it while snooping in her mom’s jewelry box as a kid, refused to give it back, and now hopes to pass it down to her future daughter.

She has a dog named Luka.

Despite being overlooked early on, her dad describes her as one of the most driven kids, and her hard work eventually paid off as she grew taller and more skilled.