One year ago, Gotham FC placed a big bet on the potential of promising forward Jaedyn Shaw.
On September 11, 2025, Shaw was acquired by the Bats from the North Carolina Courage for a record-setting $1.25 million intraleague transfer fee.
“It was such a blessing, the opportunity to come to Gotham,” Shaw said last Friday on the one-year anniversary of her transfer. “It’s honestly changed my life and my career, of course.”
Shaw immediately proved that she could handle the expectations placed on her by scoring one day later in her Gotham FC debut. She headed in a Jaelin Howell cross into the box to help the Bats to a 2-0 victory over another of her former clubs, San Diego Wave FC.
Clutch Goals and Memorable Moments Have Come Regularly Throughout Shaw’s Gotham FC Career
After early career stops in San Diego and North Carolina, the Gotham kit fit Shaw just right. The 5-foot-6 forward went on to provide clutch moments throughout the 2025 NWSL playoffs.
Shaw scored the opening goal in the quarterfinals and provided the assist on Katie Lampson’s 121st-minute match winner to lift eighth-seeded Gotham past the NWSL Shield-winning Kansas City Current.
One week later, her dramatic 97th-minute free kick knocked out the defending NWSL champion Orlando Pride in the semifinals and booked Gotham’s place in the NWSL Championship game, where the Bats defeated the archrival Washington Spirit 1-0.
Shaw Continues to Deliver Big in 2026
Fast forward to 2026. Shaw is continuing to score timely goals and is central to Gotham’s hopes to repeat as NWSL champions.
The 21-year-old has notched a team-leading seven goals and team-high five assists in her first full season with the club.
“Being in the right place at the right time is invaluable, and she does that consistently,” Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said earlier this season. “She keeps growing and has so much potential. There are still many things we can help her improve, and the great thing is that she wants to improve.”
Shaw fittingly scored the match-winning goal this past Friday as Gotham defeated Racing Louisville 2-1 at Lynn Family Stadium.
Her goal at 45:35 was the fastest second-half goal of the NWSL season. It was her 10th regular season game-winning goal and the 24th regular season goal of her career.
“It’s been so fun being on this team and being a part of this club that strives for such high standards on and off the pitch, and I’ve really grown as a human and as a player and met so many amazing people and players,” Shaw said following last Friday’s victory.
‘I Didn’t Think I Deserved’ Gotham’s Investment
Shaw admitted that, back in September 2025, she was unsure whether she was worth the record-smashing transfer fee.
“Looking back on the investment that Gotham as a club made for me at a time that I didn’t think I deserved,” she said. “I wasn’t playing as well as I could have been. I’m so grateful for them taking a chance on me and for me to be here in front of you all today.”
Shaw Is Vital to Gotham’s Treble Pursuit
But one year later, Shaw is as vital to the club as any of the stars in Gotham’s galaxy, which includes inspirational captain Tierna Davidson, all-world goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, goal-getting ace Sam Kerr and Ballon d’Or candidate Rose Lavelle.
“Just wearing this badge is an honor,” Shaw said. “How much I’ve grown since last year is obviously a credit to this club and the players and the coaches around us. It’s been great.”
Shaw will be key to Gotham’s pursuit of a first-ever NWSL Shield. The Bats have collected 48 points through 24 league matches and are currently five points ahead of the second-place Spirit with six regular-season matches remaining.
Gotham has already gotten its hands on the NWSL Challenge Cup. If the Bats pull off a treble by winning the NWSL Shield and repeating as NWSL champions, Shaw will likely have played a key role in their success.
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