Gotham FC captain Tierna Davidson knows a budding superstar when she sees one.

Across her professional journey with the Chicago Red Stars (now known as Chicago Stars FC), Gotham FC and the United States women’s national team, the 27-year-old defender has witnessed many high-potential talents take the next step into stardom.

Davidson has kept a close eye on teammate Jaedyn Shaw during her recovery from a torn ACL in her left knee that kept her out for almost the entirety of last season. Now healthy following a long period of rehab work, Davidson is looking forward to playing alongside Shaw over the course of a full season.

Looking Ahead: Shaw’s Role in the 2026 Season

“We have a really deep roster of leaders on our team,” Davidson said. “That’s not just older players — it’s younger players as well. Talking about Jaedyn, it’s very cool to see the mixture of personalities we have and the different types of leaders we have. That allows us to stay very connected and to lift each other up in different ways and support each other at different moments during games, off the field or wherever it might be.

“It was really cool to see how everybody took on whatever role and responsibility they were given. I’m excited for Jaedyn to be with us for a whole season and to see her continued development both as a player on this team and as a leader and personality with us.”

Shaw offered a sampling of her high ceiling abilities following her arrival from the North Carolina Courage in September of last season. The 21-year-old scored dramatic, last-gasp goals during the 2025 NWSL playoffs as Gotham eventually went on to lift the 2025 NWSL championship trophy.

Her dramatic 97th-minute free-kick winner against the Orlando Pride in the semifinal round was one of the standout moments of the 2025 playoffs.

Davidson on Shaw’s Growth: ‘The Sky’s the Limit’

Davidson thinks that Shaw is just starting to bloom and that her potential is limitless.

“I don’t even think there’s a peak yet,” Davidson said of Shaw’s potential. “We can see that she’s found a really good groove and found a place where she’s very comfortable and feels well supported by her teammates to thrive. Truly, the sky’s the limit.

“We’ve only seen a fraction of what she can give us both here at Gotham, but also in the national team. I think there’s certainly an upward trend, but I don’t think we’re hitting a peak yet.”

Shaw scored three goals in ten combined regular-season and playoff appearances for Gotham last season. Gotham teammates and supporters will be looking for the 5-foot-6 attacker to play a significant role in the Bats’ quest for more trophies in 2026.

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