Talking Gators Soccer 2021, Orlando Pride, and Mental Health Issues with Parker Roberts

Orlando Pride has acquired the Discovery Rights to former University of Florida midfielder Parker Roberts from Kansas City in exchange for the Pride’s natural Fourth Round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. Subsequently, the Pride signed Roberts to a deal through the remainder of the 2021 NWSL season.
“Parker is a player who was on our radar leading into the last NWSL Draft, and we're pleased to add her to what we feel is already an impressive core of young players,” Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming said. “Linking back up with Becky [Burleigh] and Alan [Kirkup] will provide her with a familiar environment under which she can continue on her development pathway, and also provide our team with another option in the middle of the pitch as we enter the final stretch of our season. We look forward to watching Parker take her first steps as a professional and growing into her role as a member of the Pride.”

Roberts, 24, reunites in Orlando with Burleigh and Kirkup, who coached the former Gators’ captain at the University of Florida from 2017-21. Over her time at Florida, Roberts totaled 13 goals and 10 assists over 65 games, with her 2018 campaign cut short due to injury. After leading the Gators with 15 points in her final season, Roberts finished her career in Gainesville as a three-time selection to both the All-Southeast Region and All-SEC teams.
In 2016, Roberts redshirted her season due to commitments with the U.S. U20 Women’s National Team in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. In that tournament, Roberts made two appearances en route to a fourth place finish for the red, white and blue.
Prior to attending UF, Roberts began her collegiate career at the University of Kansas in 2015, making 20 appearances in her freshman season with three goals and one assist.
The Pride return to play on Sunday, Aug. 29 when the team travels to face NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena. That match will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. ET and will air on Paramount+. Orlando returns to Exploria Stadium on Sept. 5, hosting the Houston Dash in the Club’s Space Race match. Tickets for the match can be purchased at Orlando-Pride.com or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
TRANSACTION: Pride acquire Discovery Rights to Parker Roberts from Kansas City in exchange for Orlando’s natural Fourth Round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. Subsequently, the Pride signed Roberts through the end of the 2021 season.

Parker Roberts

Number: 20

Position: Midfield

Height: 5-6

Born: July 30, 1997 in Leawood, Ks.

Hometown: Leawood, Ks.

College: University of Florida

Citizenship: USA