Foster's Professional Football Journey: From College Soccer to the WSL
The path to professional sports is rarely linear, and the career of Foster serves as a compelling example of perseverance and skill. From the collegiate fields of California to the competitive arenas of the Women's Super League, Foster has steadily climbed the ranks of women's football through consistency and technical excellence.
Early Development and Collegiate Years
Foster's foundation in the sport was strengthened during her time in the United States, where she played college soccer at the University of San Diego in California for four years. Upon returning to New Zealand, she balanced professional work with her passion for the game, competing for Northern Rovers in the National League.
Breaking Into the Professional Game
Despite her status as a recognized youth international, Foster did not enter top-flight football until the age of 24. In October 2022, she joined the Wellington Phoenix ahead of the A-League Women season. Her entry into the squad began as a scholarship position, which typically involves a lower wage than a standard professional contract.
Foster quickly proved her value through her reliability and performance. Despite the team struggling with poor results, she played every single minute of her initial appearances. After just four matches, her contributions earned her a full professional contract. During her tenure with the Phoenix, she became known as the team's set-piece specialist, a player tasked with executing restarts like free kicks and corners with high precision.
Transition to Auckland United and England
In June 2024, Foster transitioned to Auckland United. Her trajectory continued upward in September 2024 when she moved to England to join Durham in the Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2).
Her impact at Durham was solidified by a new contract signed in July 2025. A highlight of her time with the club occurred in October 2025 during a Women's League Cup match against Liverpool. Despite Durham's 1–2 loss, Foster scored an olympico—a rare and impressive goal scored directly from a corner kick without touching any other player.
Key Facts
- College Education: Four years of soccer at the University of San Diego.
- Professional Debut: Joined Wellington Phoenix at age 24 in October 2022.
- Specialization: Recognized as a set-piece specialist.
- Career Milestone: Scored an olympico against Liverpool in October 2025.
- Current Trajectory: Progressed from the A-League Women to the Women's Super League 2.
Career Summary
| Period/Date | Club/Institution | League/Level |
|---|---|---|
| College Years | University of San Diego | Collegiate (USA) |
| Post-College | Northern Rovers | National League (NZ) |
| Oct 2022 | Wellington Phoenix | A-League Women |
| June 2024 | Auckland United | Club Football |
| Sept 2024 | Durham | Women's Super League 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age did Foster start playing top-flight football?
Foster joined a top-flight team, the Wellington Phoenix, at the age of 24 in October 2022.
What is a set-piece specialist?
A set-piece specialist is a player who excels at delivering or scoring from dead-ball situations, such as corner kicks and free kicks.
What is an olympico?
An olympico is a goal scored directly from a corner kick without the ball touching any other player before entering the net.
How did Foster secure a full contract with Wellington Phoenix?
After joining on a scholarship position, Foster played every minute of her first four matches and delivered strong performances despite the team's overall poor results, leading to a full contract.
Which English club does Foster currently play for?
Foster plays for Durham in the Women's Super League 2, having signed a new contract with them in July 2025.