Claire Hutton: The teenage ‘student of the game’ looking to anchor U.S. soccer’s midfield

Claire Hutton lives and breathes football.

It is all she has ever wanted to do since childhood.

“When I wake up, all I want to do is go play [football]. It’s my passion,” the 19-year-old told Spectrum News.

That kind of drive saw her make waves in high school, ultimately forgoing the chance to play at a collegiate level and go the professional route instead.

In December 2023, she signed a three-year deal with the Kansas City Current, ahead of her first NWSL season beginning the following March.

Since then, Hutton has gone on to play the second-most minutes of any teenager in the league, behind only Alyssa Thompson.

The New York native has slotted into a seasoned KCC midfield with ease, prompting receiving the nod for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT).

First the Futures Camp in January, and then the SheBelieves Cup the following month.

On Sunday (23 February), Hutton made her first appearance for her nation in a 2-1 victory over Australia. She became the 15th debutant of the Emma Hayes era, realising a life-long dream.

“When I first heard of what the women’s national team was as a kid, that was my ultimate goal,” she revealed to Times Union.

“I’m someone who – I say I have an addictive personality – when I start something I love, I will push myself to be the best.

“So with soccer, that’s how it was… I started playing, I actually loved it, so what did I do? I told myself, I am going to be the best.”

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