Imani Dorsey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Imani Dorsey

Dorsey in 2024
Personal information
Full name	Imani Michelle Dorsey
Date of birth	(1996-03-21) March 21, 1996 (age 29)
Place of birth	Elkridge, Maryland, United States
Height	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Position(s)	Forward / Defender
Team information
Current team	Utah Royals
Number	28
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2014–2017	Duke Blue Devils	87	(29)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2018–2023	NJ/NY Gotham FC	72	(6)
2024–	Utah Royals	2	(0)
International career‡
2018–2019	United States U23
2021–	United States	1	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of April 1, 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of July 20, 2023

Imani Michelle Dorsey (born March 21, 1996) is an American professional soccer player. She plays as a defender for the Utah Royals in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Imani played college soccer for Duke University. She was a top player there, even becoming a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy. In 2018, she was chosen by Sky Blue FC (now NJ/NY Gotham FC) in the NWSL draft. She was named the 2018 Rookie of the Year! Imani played 72 games for NJ/NY Gotham FC. She took a break during the 2023 NWSL season for her well-being. After that season, she joined the Utah Royals.

Imani also played for the United States women's national soccer team (USWNT). She made her first appearance in 2021. She also won a special award for her work off the field. This award recognized her positive impact in helping others, especially through the Black Women's Players Collective.

College Soccer Career

Playing for Duke University (2014–2017)

Imani Dorsey played soccer for Duke University from 2014 to 2017. She was a star player during her time there. In 2017, she received many honors. She was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year. She was also recognized as an All-American player. Imani was even a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy. This award goes to the best college soccer players. She finished her college career as one of Duke's top goal scorers.

Professional Club Career

In 2015, before joining the NWSL, Imani played for the Washington Spirit Reserves. This team was part of the W-League. She scored eight goals and helped her team win the W-League Championship. She was also named the W-League Rookie of the Year.

Playing for NJ/NY Gotham FC (2018–2023)

Imani was picked by Sky Blue FC as the 5th player overall in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. She joined the team in May 2018 after finishing her degree at Duke. She quickly became a full professional player. On July 7, she scored her first NWSL goal against the Chicago Red Stars.

Imani had a fantastic first year. She scored four goals and made one assist. She was named the 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year. She was the second player from Sky Blue FC to win this award. During her college career and first pro year, Imani mostly played as an attacker. However, in the 2019 season, she started playing as an outside back (a defender). This change was partly because the U.S. national team was interested in her playing that position.

The club changed its name to NJ/NY Gotham FC before the 2021 NWSL season. Imani played in 72 league games for the team. She took a break during the 2023 season for her well-being.

Joining the Utah Royals (2024–present)

After the 2023 season, Imani became a free agent. This means she could sign with any team. On November 29, 2023, she signed a contract with the Utah Royals. She was one of the first players to join the newly re-formed Utah Royals team. Her contract is set to last through 2025.

On March 22, 2024, while playing against NC Courage, Imani had a serious injury. She ruptured her Achilles tendon. The Royals coach, Amy Rodriguez, said that Imani would be out of play for a long time.

International Soccer Career

Imani Dorsey has trained with the United States youth national teams since she was 15 years old. On August 23, 2018, she was chosen for the U.S. U-23 team. They played in the 2018 Nordic tournament.

After a strong 2019 NWSL season, Imani was called up to the U.S. national team for the first time. This happened on October 31, 2019. She was part of Vlatko Andonovski's first team as head coach. Imani made her first appearance for the team on November 30, 2021. This was in a friendly game against Australia.

In 2021, Imani won a special award from the United States Soccer Federation. It was called the One Nation. Social Impact Award. This award honors players who make a positive difference off the field. Imani received it for her work with the Black Women's Players Collective.

Advocacy and Community Work

Imani Dorsey is a founding board member of the Black Women's Players Collective (BWPC). This group was started by Black players in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Their goal is to create more opportunities for Black girls in sports and in life. Imani has led projects like building 12 mini soccer fields across the U.S. She also helped create a mentorship program called Voices in Sport. This program connects young Black female athletes with experienced professional players.

Imani also helped with the NWSL Players Association's 2022-2026 agreement. This was the first time the league had such an agreement. She is also an Athlete Ally ambassador. In 2021, she received an Athlete Ally Action Award. This was for her support of the LGBT community, especially transgender athletes.

Career Statistics

International Games