Orlando, FL
HOMETOWN
Samford
COLLEGE
2025/26 Season:
Simpson made an immediate impact in her rookie professional season after arriving in Fort Lauderdale following a standout collegiate career at Samford. The 23-year-old defender appeared in 23 matches with 21 starts before injuries sidelined her late in the campaign. A major threat on set pieces, Simpson led all Super League defenders with four goals and earned a Team of the Month nod in September following a couple of goals. Defensively, she anchored the back line by leading the team in both clearances (127) and passes completed (906), while also recording 77 duels won and 16 tackles won to cap a standout debut season.
- 1x TOTM (September)
Previous Experience:
A versatile defender who can line up at both center and outside back, Simpson brings an attacking edge with her ability to score while also strengthening Fort Lauderdale United’s retooled back line. At 5’10”, her aerial presence adds another dimension on both ends of the pitch for the club heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
A native of Orlando, Florida, Simpson starred at The First Academy before continuing her career at Samford University in Alabama, where she became an immediate contributor and earned SOCON All-Freshman honors in 2020-21. Simpson went on to start all 97 matches she played for the Bulldogs, logging 8,379 minutes while tallying 21 goals and 4 assists across five seasons. The defender helped lead Samford to three SOCON Championships (2021, 2022, 2024), earning All-Tournament Team honors after each victory.
Simpson’s standout senior campaign in 2024 saw her earn First Team All-SOCON recognition after scoring five goals and adding an assist, including the game-winner in the conference title match against Western Carolina. Following her collegiate career, Simpson signed a temporary injury-replacement contract with the NWSL’s Orlando Pride before joining Fort Lauderdale United ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
A versatile defender with a proven scoring touch, Simpson strengthens Fort Lauderdale’s back line as the club looks to open its season with a victory on Saturday evening.
More About Ella:
- Favorite Foods
- Açaí Bowls
- Tacos
- Sushi
- Favorite TV Shows
- The Office
- Grey’s Anatomy
- The Blacklist
- Favorite Movies
- Divergent
- Interstellar
- Cars 2
- Favorite Music Artists
- Coldplay
- Noah Kahan
- Zach Bryan
- Fun Facts
- Ella has surfed in Texas!
- She is the only person in her family to not attend Florida State University!
- Ella has been to 18 concerts!
