Biography

Carrie Lawrence: Inspiring Soccer Career, Age and Marriage to Marta

From an Orlando football talent to an NWSL champion and the wife of Brazilian legend Marta

Introduction

Carrie Lawrence is an American former professional soccer player best known for representing Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League. She played as a defender and spent her full professional career with her hometown club.

Lawrence is also widely known as the wife of Marta Vieira da Silva, the Brazilian football icon commonly called Marta. However, Carrie has her own inspiring sporting story. She moved from school football to college competition, joined Orlando Pride and ended her career as an NWSL Shield and Championship winner.

Carrie Lawrence Quick BIography

Detail Information
Full name Carrie Elizabeth Lawrence
Public name Carrie Lawrence
Date of birth July 15, 1997
Age 29 years old as of July 2026
Birthplace Orlando, Florida, United States
Nationality American
Profession Former professional soccer player
Playing position Defender
Height 5 feet 7 inches, or around 170 cm
High school Timber Creek High School
Colleges University of South Carolina and University of Central Florida
Professional club Orlando Pride
Professional career 2020–2024
Major titles 2024 NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship
Marital status Married
Spouse Marta Vieira da Silva

Carrie Lawrence’s official Orlando Pride profile lists her birthday as July 15, 1997, her birthplace as Orlando and her height as 5 feet 7 inches.

Who Is Carrie Lawrence?

Carrie Lawrence is a retired American soccer defender from Orlando, Florida.

She developed her skills in her hometown before playing college soccer for the South Carolina Gamecocks and UCF Knights. She later joined Orlando Pride, becoming one of the few athletes able to represent a major professional club in the same city where she was born and raised.

She is famous for her Orlando Pride career, her return from a serious knee injury and her marriage to Brazilian football star Marta.

Lawrence retired from professional soccer in November 2024 after Orlando Pride completed the most successful season in the club’s history. The team won both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship.

How Old Is Carrie Lawrence?

Carrie Lawrence was born on July 15, 1997.

She turned 29 years old on July 15, 2026. Her zodiac sign is Cancer.

Her confirmed birthplace is Orlando, Florida. She spent much of her education and football career in the same area, making her sporting journey closely connected to the city.

Carrie Lawrence’s Early Life

Carrie grew up in Orlando and attended Timber Creek High School.

She was already a talented athlete during her school years. Lawrence earned All-Metro and All-State recognition in soccer. She was also named her team’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year.

Her sporting abilities were not limited to soccer. She also played flag football and earned a varsity letter in the sport.

Outside school competition, Lawrence played club soccer for Florida Kraze Krush. Her youth team won state and regional championships, helping her gain experience against strong young players.

She also participated in the Olympic Development Program, which helps identify and train promising American soccer players.

College Soccer Career

University of South Carolina

Lawrence began her college career at the University of South Carolina in 2015.

She played for the South Carolina Gamecocks and appeared in all 20 matches during her freshman season. She made two starts and scored one goal.

Her teammates and coaches recognised her early contribution by voting her the team’s Rookie of the Year.

University of Central Florida

After one season in South Carolina, Lawrence transferred to the University of Central Florida.

She played for the UCF Knights between 2016 and 2018. During those three seasons, she made 49 appearances, scored four goals and provided 11 assists.

Lawrence earned Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honours during her senior year. She was also selected for the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third Team.

Her time at UCF helped prepare her for professional soccer while allowing her to return to her home city.

Carrie Lawrence’s Orlando Pride Career

Carrie Lawrence first joined Orlando Pride as a training player in 2019.

She received a short-term contract for the 2020 NWSL Fall Series and made her professional debut on September 19, 2020, against the North Carolina Courage.

Lawrence played the full 90 minutes in the goalless draw. She also made an important goal-line clearance that helped Orlando avoid defeat.

Orlando Pride formally added her through the NWSL Discovery process in January 2021. She later became a regular member of the club’s defensive group.

Lawrence wore the number 12 shirt and played her entire professional career for Orlando Pride. The club credited her with 33 appearances across all competitions and two assists.

Readers interested in other women who have built respected careers in professional football can also explore the story of Lia Wälti and her journey through European women’s football.

Serious Knee Injury and Recovery

Lawrence faced one of the biggest challenges of her career in 2023.

She tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during preseason training. An ACL injury can require surgery and a long rehabilitation period, particularly for professional athletes.

The injury caused Lawrence to miss the 2023 season. However, she continued working toward a return.

She came back in 2024 and made her first home appearance since 2022 during Orlando’s match against the North Carolina Courage. Lawrence provided an assist from a throw-in as Orlando won 4–1.

Her return showed determination after a difficult period away from competitive soccer.

The Historic 2024 Season

The 2024 season became a special final chapter in Carrie Lawrence’s career.

Orlando Pride produced an outstanding campaign and won the NWSL Shield, which is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.

The club then won the 2024 NWSL Championship.

These were the first two major trophies in Orlando Pride’s history. Lawrence ended her playing career as a member of the team that achieved both successes.

Why Did Carrie Lawrence Retire?

Carrie Lawrence announced her retirement from professional soccer on November 29, 2024.

She said that she felt grateful after giving her life to the sport. She also explained that Orlando had been her home from the beginning of her professional journey.

Winning the Shield and the Championship made her final season especially meaningful.

The decision followed a career that included injuries, rehabilitation and a return to the field. Orlando Pride praised her perseverance, positive energy and connection with the city.

Her complete retirement statement and official career record can be read in the Orlando Pride retirement announcement.

Carrie Lawrence and Marta’s Relationship

Carrie Lawrence is married to Marta Vieira da Silva.

Marta is a Brazilian professional footballer who is widely considered one of the greatest women’s soccer players in history. She and Lawrence met through their connection with Orlando Pride.

Their relationship became public after they began dating as teammates in 2022. The couple announced their engagement in August 2024.

Carrie Lawrence and Marta married on January 2, 2026, in Jupiter, Florida. Their wedding received international attention because both women had played professional soccer for Orlando Pride.

Who Is Carrie Lawrence’s Wife?

Carrie Lawrence’s wife is Marta Vieira da Silva, better known simply as Marta.

Marta was born in Brazil and became internationally famous through her performances for the Brazilian national team and several professional clubs.

While Marta has a much larger global profile, Carrie built her own independent career as a defender. Both women were part of Orlando Pride, although Lawrence retired after the 2024 season.

Their relationship connects two different football journeys: Marta became a worldwide sporting icon, while Lawrence represented her hometown club throughout her professional career.

Does Carrie Lawrence Have Children?

No children have been publicly confirmed for Carrie Lawrence as of July 2026.

Private family plans should not be treated as facts unless Lawrence or Marta confirms them publicly.

Carrie Lawrence’s Height

Carrie Lawrence is 5 feet 7 inches tall, which is approximately 170 centimetres.

Her height supported her ability to compete as a defender, although successful defending also requires timing, positioning, communication and an understanding of the game.

What Is Carrie Lawrence’s Net Worth?

Carrie Lawrence’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified.

Some celebrity websites may publish estimated figures, but these numbers are not supported by confirmed financial statements, contract records or official comments from Lawrence.

Her known professional work included playing for Orlando Pride. Any precise claim about her salary, investments, properties or total wealth should therefore be treated carefully.

Awards and Achievements

Carrie Lawrence’s confirmed sporting achievements include:

  • South Carolina team Rookie of the Year
  • Second Team All-American Athletic Conference selection
  • United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third Team selection
  • 2024 NWSL Shield winner
  • 2024 NWSL Championship winner
  • 33 professional appearances across all competitions for Orlando Pride
  • Two professional assists for Orlando Pride

Her greatest team success came during her final year as a professional player.

Carrie Lawrence’s Playing Style

Lawrence mainly played as a defender during her professional career.

She had also been listed as a midfielder during her early college years. This background may have helped her understand both defensive positioning and attacking movement.

Her professional record included important defensive actions, forward throw-ins and assists. Her goal-line clearance during her first professional match was an early example of her ability to react under pressure.

Life After Retirement

Carrie Lawrence has not publicly announced a major new full-time professional role since retiring from soccer.

She has remained connected with Orlando Pride and has appeared at club-related activities. However, reliable information about a coaching position, business venture or permanent media role has not been confirmed.

It is therefore more accurate to describe her current status as a retired professional soccer player.

Carrie Lawrence’s Legacy

Carrie Lawrence’s legacy is closely linked with Orlando.

She was born in the city, attended a local high school, played for UCF and later represented Orlando Pride. Few professional athletes are able to build so much of their journey in one place.

Her career was not defined only by appearances or statistics. She recovered from a serious ACL injury and returned to help her club during a historic championship season.

Her story may inspire young players who experience injuries or other career difficulties. It shows that progress can continue even after a major setback.

Sports readers may also enjoy the inspiring career of Jodie Ounsley, a groundbreaking athlete and television personality.

Interesting Facts About Carrie Lawrence

  • Carrie was born and raised in Orlando, Florida.
  • She played both soccer and flag football at school.
  • Her teammates and coaches named her South Carolina’s Rookie of the Year.
  • She represented two major college teams.
  • She spent her complete professional career with Orlando Pride.
  • She made a goal-line clearance during her professional debut.
  • She returned to competition after tearing her ACL.
  • Her final season ended with two major team trophies.
  • She married Brazilian football legend Marta in January 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Carrie Lawrence?

Carrie Lawrence is an American former professional soccer defender who played for Orlando Pride in the NWSL.

What is Carrie Lawrence famous for?

She is known for playing for Orlando Pride, winning the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship, and being married to Marta.

How old is Carrie Lawrence?

Carrie Lawrence is 29 years old as of July 2026.

When was Carrie Lawrence born?

She was born on July 15, 1997.

Where was Carrie Lawrence born?

She was born in Orlando, Florida, United States.

How tall is Carrie Lawrence?

She is 5 feet 7 inches, or approximately 170 centimetres, tall.

Is Carrie Lawrence still playing soccer?

No. She retired from professional soccer on November 29, 2024.

Which team did Carrie Lawrence play for?

She spent her entire professional career with Orlando Pride.

What position did Carrie Lawrence play?

She mainly played as a defender.

Who is Carrie Lawrence married to?

She is married to Brazilian football legend Marta Vieira da Silva.

When did Carrie Lawrence marry Marta?

Carrie Lawrence and Marta married on January 2, 2026.

Did Carrie Lawrence win the NWSL Championship?

Yes. She was part of the Orlando Pride team that won the 2024 NWSL Championship.

What is Carrie Lawrence’s net worth?

Her exact net worth has not been verified by a reliable public financial source.

Conclusion

Carrie Lawrence is a former American soccer defender whose career was built around talent, patience and a strong connection to Orlando.

She progressed from local school and youth football to the University of South Carolina, UCF and Orlando Pride. Although a serious knee injury interrupted her career, she successfully returned to professional competition.

Lawrence retired after Orlando Pride won the 2024 NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship. She later married Brazilian football star Marta in January 2026.

Her journey shows that a meaningful sporting career is not measured only by fame. It can also be built through loyalty, recovery, teamwork and the courage to return after difficult moments.

Related Articles

Back to top button