NFL
By Keith Richards
As we continue to draw closer to the inaugural season for Denver Summit FC, we continue to analyze the inaugural roster. So far, we’ve covered the forwards and midfielders. Today, we move on to arguably the deepest position group: The Defenders. The defenders on the inaugural roster offer the largest mix of youth, experience, and ability.
Since we began this analysis of the Summit FC roster, there have been some additions to the defender group. There were six defenders; there are now eight. The defenders are:
- Ayo Oke
- Camryn Biegalski
- Carson Pickett
- Eva Gaetino
- Janine Sonis
- Kaleigh Kurtz
- Megan Reid
- Natalie Means
Without a doubt, the competition for pitch time with the defenders will be fierce. Let’s now discuss each player, and you will see why.
Ayo Oke
In a previous article, we pegged Ayo Oke as one of the key signings for the inaugural roster. However, just in case you need it, let’s remind you who Ayo Oke is. For starters, Ayo Oke is now an officially capped USWNT player. Even further, she managed a goal contribution in her first USWNT start as well. Consequently, Ayo is the first player for Summit FC to receive a USWNT cap, which is a high honor.
Though young, Ayo Oke brings a wealth of experience. Throughout her collegiate career at UC Berkeley and UCLA, Oke earned multiple All-Conference honors, including a season at UC Berkeley in which she tied for the Pac-12 lead in assists as a defender. At UCLA, Ayo once again made the All-PAC-12 second team and contributed to 11 shoutouts that season.
At the club level, Ayo Oke played with Liga MX Femenil club Pachuca Femenil. With Pachuca Femenil, Ayo made 31 appearances across all competitions and helped the club secure its first league title as they were the 2025 Liga MX Femenil: Clausura champions. Consequently, Oke has proven she’s ready for the spotlight and an opportunity to further prove herself.
Camryn Biegalski
A former standout of the University of Wisconsin, Camryn Biegalski brings even more championship experience to the Denver Summit FC inaugural roster. During her last season at Washington, Biegalski was the Big Ten Conference Defender of the Year in 2019. Then, she was drafted by (now) Chicago Stars FC in 2020. Camryn has been in the NWSL ever since.
Camryn Biegalski also spent time with the Washington Spirits. During her tenure with Washington, Biegalski was instrumental in the team’s 2021 NWSL Championship victory. With four goal contributions (two goals and two assists) throughout her career, Camryn has proven she can contribute on both ends of the pitch. Her defensive prowess will be significant to the inaugural roster.
Carson Pickett
Carson Pickett is one of Summit FC’s most accomplished defenders. While at Florida State University, Pickett was a four-year starter who helped to lead the Seminoles to their first NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. The Florida State defense, led by Carson, did not allow a single goal throughout the entire tournament.
Carson Pickett was drafted by the Seattle Reign in 2016. Since then, she’s played with Brisbane Roar (on loan), Orlando Pride, North Carolina Courage, and Racing Louisville. In her two seasons with North Carolina, made the NWSL Best XI. In 2024, Carson won the NWSL Championship and Shield with Orlando Pride. Pickett’s experience and leadership will go a long way with the defenders of the inaugural roster.
Eva Gaetino
While Eva Gaetino is one of the younger defenders, she still comes with championship experience of her own. In addition, Gaetino is one of the best young center backs in women’s soccer. So, why choose Denver Summit FC? Eva stated, “Joining Denver Summit FC is an exciting next step for me. This club is building something special, and I’m honored to be a part of it from the beginning. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience, competing at the highest level in the NWSL, and helping set the standard for this team.”
Gaetino had an excellent career with Notre Dame. During her junior and senior seasons, Eva was named First Team All-American and All-ACC. In addition, Gaetino was ACC Defensive Player of the Year in those same seasons, which is only the second time that’s happened in conference history. In 2024, signed with PSG. That year, she helped the club to lift the Coupe de France Féminine trophy. Her youth should complement the more experienced defenders on the inaugural roster.
Janine Sonis
From Highlands Ranch, CO, Janine Sonis comes to Denver Summit with loads of club and international experience. In her youth, Sonis was the 2012 Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year. From there, Janine just continued to grow and win. Throughout her career, she has won eight major trophies worldwide, a remarkable achievement.
While Janine plays fullback, her attacking prowess is significant. Throughout her senior club career, Sonis has scored 18 goals. Her scoring capabilities with the Canadian Women’s National Team are even better. Over 120 plus caps, Janine has 36 goals. She’s played a significant role in Canada’s Olympic Gold (2021) and Bronze (2016) medals. Did we mention she lifted four trophies with Manchester City? It goes without saying, but she will be a valuable member of the defense.
Kaleigh Kurtz
There’s a recurring theme with the defenders of Denver Summit FC. Many of the defenders on the inaugural roster have extensive championship experience. Kaleigh Kurtz is no different. After a brief stint in the Swedish Elitettan, Kurtz signed with the North Carolina Courage in March 2018 and has been there since (with the exception of a loan to Canberra United in the Australian W-League).
In eight seasons with the Courage, Kurtz has been instrumental in North Carolina winning two NWSL Championships (2018, 2019), two NWSL Shields (2018, 2019), and two NWSL Challenge Cups (2022, 2023). However, Kaleigh’s championship is not her best trait. It’s her reliability and durability.
In sports, availability is the best ability. In 2024, Kurtz broke the NWSL regular season record for consecutive minutes, surpassing 6,493 minutes. The following year, Kaleigh Kurtz broke two more durability records. First, she set the record for consecutive starts (107). Then, Kurtz set the record when completing her fourth consecutive Ironwoman season. Without a doubt, it will be Kaleigh Kurtz who is the anchor of the defense.
Megan Reid
Another member of the Canadian Women’s National Team, Megan Reid is another Ironwoman of the defense for the inaugural roster. Reid has been with Angel City FC since their inaugural season. It was during that season that Megan became the club’s first Ironwoman. Since then, Reid remained a reliable presence for Angel City, appearing 81 times for the squad across all competitions.
Megan Reid made her debut with the Canadian National Team in 2024. She’s had three caps since then, including scoring her first international goal against Chinese Taipei in the 2025 Pinatar Cup. Reid is another player who will make it difficult to see time on the pitch.
Natalie Means
Last, but not least, we have Natalie Means. Means joins the inaugural roster fresh out of Georgetown University. In her senior season, Means earned unanimous First Team All-Big East and First Team All-Region. In addition, Natalie appeared and started in every match. Across those 1,848 minutes of play, she had 16 goal contributions (ten goals and six assists). Means may find it tough to see the pitch, but she is a valuable depth piece.
There’s one more position group to dissect: The goalkeepers. Stay tuned for that, as well as our season prediction.
