KC Current
Hailie Mace Says Goodbye to Kansas City and the Current
The season ended just days ago, and players are already headed their own directions. The first announcement: Hailie Mace.
The 2025 Kansas City Current season came to an unceremonious end on Sunday at CPKC Stadium. As Lo LaBonta said in the post-game press conference, this is the last time this team would be together.
On Tuesday night, the first domino dropped. Hailie Mace announced on her Instagram that she was leaving Kansas City.
I love goodbyes! said nobody ever. Okay but seriously how do you say goodbye to a city that’s been home for four years? Kansas City, and the people who make it so special, have meant the world to me. I may not have all the words, but I leave here knowing I poured everything I had into this city and this team.
To my teammates, coaches, and staff — thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve made these years unforgettable, and I would not be the person or player I am today without every single one of you.
To the fans — you guys have shown up day in and day out for this team and it does not go unnoticed. we would not have broken records or accomplished all that we have this year without your unwavering support. so, thank you!
Kansas City, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart. but it’s time for a new chapter in my career and my life.
One last time, KC BABY.
The writing was probably on the wall in her reactions after the game, captured by the Kansas City Star. They caught her and her teammate Alex Pfeiffer in a candid moment, and the tears were flowing. Plenty of tears were shed by many, understandably, after the loss. But the look on Mace’s face felt different. Like she knew it was the end.
LaBonta also said players had already agreed to deals with other teams in the presser. It seems those announcements haven’t been made, but free agency has been open for months. There are plenty of big names who could be on the move, including Bia Zaneratto.
No announcement has officially come from the KC Current yet, but the wounds of the playoff loss, after the greatest regular season in NWSL history, are still wide open. Everyone is still in mourning. A fan favorite like Mace leaving will just add to that sadness.
Mace’s Time in Kansas City
Hailie Mace arrived in Kansas City in the middle of a tough debut season for the then unnamed KC Current. Mace arrived with Kristen Hamilton, whose retirement was honored just over a week ago at the 2-1 victory over the San Diego Wave.
They were joined by Katelyn Rowland in the trade that sent Amy Rodriguez and $60,000 in allocation money back to the North Carolina Courage. It was a controversial trade at the time because the two teams played each other immediately after the trade.
Mace went on to have 95 appearances for Kansas City and bag five goals while mostly playing outside back. This season she was third in the NWSL in assists (5) behind teammate Izzy Rodriguez (6) and Delphine Cascarino (6).
Mace has been an integral player since arriving in KC. She has played in the attack and even was needed at center back this season, as recently as this past weekend. She mostly played right back but lined up on the left as needed too. Not bad for a converted forward.
Her time in Kansas City also saw her return to the United States Women’s National Team after a four-year absence.
Where Mace will land next is up in the air. She is free to sign anywhere and may already have. Her girlfriend plays for the Orlando Pride, so it’s possible they will look to play together there or elsewhere. The 28-year-old defender is in her prime and will likely earn a pay raise and a prominent spot on whatever team is lucky enough to land her.
Good luck Hailie from everyone at the KC Soccer Journal. It was an honor to watch you play.
Update 11/12: The KC Current made the move official.
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I appreciate you highlighting Mace’s versatility. While, yes, KC does have two starting-level fullbacks already on the roster (Rodriguez and Wheeler) and others (Scott) who could reach that level, Mace was unique in her ability to plug in wherever she was needed. Need someone good at running at the other team’s defense? Mace. Have injuries to most of your centerbacks? Mace. Need a fringe USWNT player who defines being the consummate team-first, hardworking athlete? Mace.
She’ll be missed in KC.
I’ve been staying away from the boards because Sunday sucked so bad. And now this. I guess we knew next year’s team would not be the exact same team, but truly thought we had a couple more weeks to celebrate them.