Gotham FC star Jaedyn Shaw is inspiring the next generation of players

WHIPPANY, N.J. -- For women's professional soccer team Gotham FC, their upcoming match at The Queens Classic showcase is a historic milestone, both for their team and for women's soccer as a whole.

"The Queens Classic is the first-ever women's sporting event in Citi Field," Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC midfielder and soccer prodigy, explains.

The iconic 42,000-capacity venue, which is also the home of the New York Mets, will host Gotham FC's match against Washington Spirit on Wednesday, July 15, with ESPN televising. This game, a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship, marks the first time a women's professional soccer match will be played at Citi Field.

"I think it'll be so fun to play in front of so many fans," Shaw says. "It's such an insane atmosphere, and obviously that'll help us on the field."

For Shaw, this feat also marks a milestone in her personal journey as both a player and role model for the next generation.

"One of the most rewarding parts of playing at this level is how you get to be a role model for the next generation of players coming up," Shaw says. "I'm very proud of my background. Being African-American and Asian-American is something I take a lot of pride in, and I find it really cool to be that representation for the next generation. I didn't necessarily have that growing up."

Gotham FC-Washington Spirit will air Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Get your tickets to the Queens Classic on Gotham FC's official website or via Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit - MyProVenue™.