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HERRIMAN — Utah Royals FC announced Wednesday the acquisition of its first player since the announcement it will return to the NWSL in 2024.
The team finalized a trade with the Orlando Pride for former BYU star and Kaysville native Mikayla Cluff (Colohan) and the No. 26 pick in the 2024 NWSL draft in exchange for $90,000 in allocation money and expansion protection.
"We're so excited to welcome Mikayla back to Utah," head coach Amy Rodriguez said in a statement. "She offers versatility in the midfield, which is so valuable in an expansion year. When evaluating players, we also put a big emphasis on their character and Mikayla is a great first step in building the culture we want in our locker room. We know how much she is loved in this state, and we can't wait for our fans to cheer her on in Utah again."
The Davis High alum set the Utah state high school record for assists twice as the Darts won three straight state championships and Cluff was named to the all-state first team every year from 2014-16.
As a college player, Cluff led BYU to the national championship game in 2021 and left Provo as the second-highest goalscorer in BYU women's soccer history with 53 behind Shauna Rohbock. She was the No. 14 overall selection in the 2021 NWSL draft and totaled four goals and one assist with Orlando in 51 appearances.
"While I've enjoyed my time in Orlando over the last two seasons, I'm extremely excited to return to play in my hometown and bring back this club for the state and for the fans," Cluff said. "I'm very thankful for my time with the Pride, and I wish them luck, but now I'm focused on working with the legend Amy Rodriguez to bring a championship to Utah."
Cluff is signed to the Royals through 2025 and is already in Utah to prepare for the upcoming NWSL season. The team also gained the No. 26 pick in the NWSL draft in addition to the first overall pick it already owns.
"Bringing Kayla home is a key first step as we build out the 2024 roster," sporting director Kelly Cousins said. "Obviously, her pedigree as a player in this league is only augmented by her Utah roots and BYU success. We are elated to welcome her home and we look forward to several more player announcements in the coming days and weeks."
The NWSL trade window closes Sunday, and free agency begins on Monday, when several other roster announcements can be expected.
