Bay FC continues to strengthen its position in the NWSL with today’s signing of defender Heather Gilchrist, the first player added to the 2026 roster. Gilchrist joins Bay FC following an accomplished international and collegiate career at Florida State University where she won two national championships, garnered All-ACC recognition, and participated in the U.S. U-20 Women’s World Cup.
What can Bay FC fans expect from their newest defender? Here’s the breakdown:
- Championship Mentality: Two-Time NCAA Title Winner
Championship experience matters in professional soccer, and Gilchrist brings it in abundance as a two-time NCAA National Champion at Florida State. Bay Area fans saw her firsthand when she helped shut out top-ranked Stanford in the 2023 national title match. She’s proven she can deliver in high-stakes moments and knows what championship culture requires.
- Proven Field-Time: 7,000+ Minutes of Competition
Gilchrist amassed nearly 7,000 minutes across 81 appearances in her college career from 2022-2025. Across a standard 26 match NWSL regular season, that is the equivalent of playing every single minute of three consecutive seasons. For Bay FC fans, this means a player who is not only consistent but has the stamina to defend the backline through the toughest stretches of the NWSL season.
- Previous Chemistry: Pre-Existing Connection with Bay FC’s Taylor Huff
Chemistry can take months to build, but Gilchrist is arriving with two years of it already established. She and Bay FC midfielder Taylor Huff were teammates at Florida State in 2023 and 2024, posting an undefeated record in their first season together. Bay FC gains an immediate edge for the 2026 season, and fans get to watch a proven partnership continue at the professional level.
- International Experience: U-20 World Cup Experience
Beyond her collegiate success, Gilchrist brings the type of high-pressure experience that accelerates the transition to professional soccer. Starting five of six matches and earning a bronze medal with the United States at the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup, Gilchrist is already familiar with the intensity Bay FC will face in marquee NWSL matchups.
- Offensive Versatility: Goal-Scoring Threat from Defense
Don’t let the defender title fool you. Fans could be in for some goals from Gilchrist. She found the back of the net four times in 2025 at FSU, including a game-winner in the NCAA tournament. Her ability to push forward and create danger in the attacking third adds an exciting dimension to Bay FC’s backline.
Bay FC’s Path to the 2026 NWSL Season
Gilchrist’s transition from college standout to NWSL rookie will be one to watch in 2026. Bay FC fans can look forward to seeing how her championship experience and versatility translate to the professional game.
