Sydney Abigail Elinsky (born January 8, 1996) is an American soccer player who plays as a midfielder.
Early life Elinsky played in the youth ranks of local development side Cleveland United SC. While attending Rocky River High School, she earned NSCAA All-American honors and was named 2013-2014 Gatorade Ohio Girls Soccer Player of the Year. As a forward she scored a school-record 43 goals in 2013 to help the Rocky River Pirates win their first-ever state championship.
College In 2014, she played at the University of Illinois in her freshman year before transferring to the University of North Carolina. As a Tar Heel she predominantly played as holding midfielder although she was noted for her versatility, sometimes playing in defense or as a forward. She majored in exercise and sport science.
Professional career Elinsky was drafted in the third round (30th overall) of the 2018 NWSL College Draft by Houston Dash but was released two weeks prior to the start of the season.
In March 2018, she was signed by Orlando Pride to a National Team Replacement contract and made her professional debut on April 15, coming on as a substitute away to Portland Thorns.
In July 2018, Elinsky joined French Division 2 Féminine side ASPTT Albi. She made her debut for the team on September 9, starting in a 3–1 win over ASPV Strasbourg. She scored her first goal for the club on October 6 in a 2–0 win over Toulouse, the start of a three-game scoring streak. She scored a total of six goals in 12 appearances before leaving in December 2018.
Elinsky returned to Orlando Pride for the 2019 season, and was signed to the senior roster on April 10 after impressing new head coach Marc Skinner in preseason. She was waived at the end of the 2020 season and made available on the re-entry wire but was not picked up.
Career statistics College Club Season Apps GoalsIllinois Fighting Illini 2014 20 2North Carolina Tar Heels 2015 19 0 2016 21 1 2017 22 2 Career totals 82 5
Club . ClubSeasonLeaguePlayoffsOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsOrlando Pride2018NWSL20——20ASPTT Albi2018–19D2F126——126Orlando Pride2019NWSL180——1802020——4Includes the NWSL Fall Series040 Totals1800040220 Career totals3260040366
Honors College North Carolina Tar Heels ACC Women's Soccer Tournament: 2017
References
External links NWSL player profile UNC bio Illinois bio