Ellie Carpenter
Ellie Madison Carpenter (born 28 April 2000) is an Australian soccer player who plays as a defender for French club Lyon and the Australia national team. She previously played for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia's W-League and Portland Thorns FC in the United States' National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Carpenter made her debut for the Australia national team at the age of 15, the country's first international soccer player – male or female – to be born in the 21st century. She was also the youngest Australian competitor at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and the youngest ever female footballer to compete at the Olympics. She made her W-League debut at age 15. In May 2018, she was the youngest player to appear in an NWSL game in league history at age 18. Carpenter was named the W-League's W-League Young Footballer of the Year three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. Early life and education Born and raised in Cowra, New South Wales, located approximately 300 km west of Sydney, Carpenter lived on a farm with her parents who were both physical education teachers Growing up, Carpenter regularly undertook extended travels to play football in Young, Canberra and Sydney. At age 12, her family moved to Sydney so she could attend Westfields Sports High School. She attended both Cowra and Mulyan Public Schools. At age 17, she dropped out of school to pursue her athletic career full-time. Club career 2015–2016: Western Sydney Wanderers FC Carpenter joined Western Sydney Wanderers in September 2015. During the 2015–16 W-League season, she was a starting defender in all twelve games that she played. The Wanderers finished in seventh place during the regular season with a record. Her performance during her inaugural season earned her a call-up to a training camp with the Matildas in November 2015. Despite being only 15, she was a versatile right back defender who often helped out in offensive plays overlapping and serving crosses to her teammates. 2017–2018: Canberra United FC In August 2017, Carpenter signed with Canberra United for the 2017–18 W-League season. Carpenter was a starting defender in 10 of the 11 games she played and scored 2 goals. She scored her first goal during the team's 6–1 win over Adelaide United on 7 January 2018. Her next goal was the Wanderers' lone goal during a 5–1 loss to Newcastle Jets on 28 January. Canberra finished in fifth place during the regular season with a record. Following the season, she was awarded the league's Young Footballer of the Year. During the 2018–19 season, Carpenter scored a goal during the team's season-opening 2–0 win over Melbourne City. She scored her second goal of the season during a 2–2 draw against her former team, Western Sydney Wanderers on 7 December 2018. The goal was considered controversial as the Wanderers goalkeeper was down injured. Canberra finished in eighth place with a record. Carpenter was named Young Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time. In September 2019, Carpenter announced she