Michigan State University Athletics
Justina Gaynor Signs Professional Contract with NWSL’s Chicago Stars FC
3/12/2025 3:39:00 PM | Women's Soccer
CHICAGO – Michigan State women's soccer alum Justina Gaynor signed a professional contract with the Chicago Stars of the National Women's Soccer League, the team announced Wednesday.
Gaynor becomes the sixth player in MSU history to either be drafted by or sign a professional contract with an NWSL team. She is one of two active former Spartans in the NWSL, joining 2021 draftee Ava Cook, who is a forward for the Chicago Stars.
Since MSU head coach Jeff Hosler's arrival in 2021, five players have either been drafted or signed with an NSWL team – Gaynor, Cook, All-Americans Lauren Kozal and Lauren DeBeau, who were both drafted by Portland Thorns FC in 2022, and Celia Gaynor, the older sister of Justina, who was drafted in 2023 by the Stars.
Michigan State Hall of Famer Laura (Heyboer) Heethius was the first MSU player to play in the NWSL, playing the Western New York Flash during the league's inaugural season in 2013. She was selected by Sky Blue FC in the 2012 WPS Draft.
The Shelby Township, Michigan native joins the Stars on a one-year contract through 2025 with a mutual option for 2026. She was named to the team's preseason roster earlier this year.
At MSU, Gaynor was named First Team All-Big Ten from 2022-24 and earned United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-America honors in 2024. The 2023 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year finished her career in the Green and White ranked ninth in the MSU record books in assists with 20, 16th in points with 54 and 20th in total goals with 17.
Gaynor and the Chicago Stars begin the 2025 NSWL on Friday, March 14, taking on the Orlando Pride at 8 p.m.
