On Dec. 29, 2025 the San Diego Wave FC announced a mutual agreement to terminate goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s contract. However, fans wonder whether this decision was truly mutual.
SD Wave fans erupt in celebration at Snapdragon Stadium on May 25, 2025. Photo by Mariadelcarmen Zuniga.
The Impact of Kailen Sheridan’s Career
Since the club’s inaugural season in 2022, Sheridan had been a constant for the Wave. Beloved by fans, she anchored the back line through 2022 expansion success, 2023 Shield-winning campaign, 2024 coaching upheaval, and a 2025 return to the playoffs. Her sudden departure marked the end of one of the final remaining ties to the franchise’s original roster (only Kristen McNabb remains).
Sheridan’s exit also comes at a pivotal moment for the Wave. After losing some of the team’s most well-known stars in Alex Morgan, Naomi Girma, and Jaedyn Shaw, Sheridan emerged as one of the most recognizable faces of the club, even co-hosting the official San Diego Wave FC podcast, Unlaced, that helped her form a deep connection between the player and Wave fans by sharing personal stories. For a fan base that has weathered rapid change, the loss of such a foundational player struck a particularly emotional chord.
What followed was a wave of reaction from supporters that included grief, confusion, and debate. Fans attempted to reconcile the club’s decision with the legacy Sheridan leaves behind. To understand why her departure resonated so deeply, it’s necessary to look at the impact she made during her four seasons in San Diego.
Sheridan played in 87 matches, starting them all. Named the 2022 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and a finalist in 2023, Sheridan made her 600th career NWSL regular-season save in 2025, and is only the second goalkeeper in league history to accomplish this milestone.
In 2022 and 2023, Sheridan conceded one or fewer goals per game, saved 3.1 and 3.35 goals per game, respectively, and in 2023 had a league-leading nine shutouts. In 2025, her stats were not as strong: she conceded 1.28 goals per game, saved 2.72 goals per game, and earned five shutouts.
What Sheridan brought to the San Diego Wave was leadership and confidence in goal.
"Kailen was awesome to work with. She was really funny and you could laugh with her, but she also was really disciplined and professional. I think she will definitely be missed. It's a really young squad that needs some veteran leadership.”
In the team’s announcement, it shared this quote from Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton.
“Kailen has been an integral part of this Club since day one. After discussions, we mutually agreed that this was the right decision for all parties. We thank her for the contributions to this Club and this city and wish her the best in the next chapter of her career.”
Fan Reaction: Shock and Grief
Fans reacted with surprise and sadness following the announcement of Sheridan’s contract termination. On Reddit, many expressed heartbreak over the departure of a player who had become synonymous with the Wave’s identity.
“This is heartbreaking stuff. Kailen was such a great person, goalie and representative for the Wave. She loved the fans and we all loved her.”
An Unexpected Turn
The news appeared to come as a surprise not only to fans, but to Sheridan and her family as well. Sheridan’s wife, Dominique, shared a post on Instagram shortly after the announcement.
“This sudden move is as much of a shock to us as it is to all of you, and I’m sad that there won’t be enough time to squeeze all of our friends and even fans who have welcomed us.”
The statement fueled speculation among supporters about the nature of the mutual agreement cited by the club.
Photo Credit: San Diego Wave FC
Photo Credit: San Diego Wave FC
A Divided Community Response
While many fans echoed the sense of loss and frustration, others urged caution in drawing conclusions about the club’s decision-making.
Some commenters criticized the organization’s handling of the situation.
“Sheridan’s put in solid work in that goal…it sounds like the Wave organization could’ve handled the situation with a lot more respect towards her and her family.”
Others defended the front office, suggesting the move may be part of a broader effort to reshape the roster.
“By all accounts the team is a great place for players and you can tell by their demeanor on and off the field they are much happier and bonded as a group. I think to assume there are scandalous details coming is reading too much into this.”
Where does the team go from here?
Sheridan’s departure is one of several recent roster changes for San Diego. In recent weeks, the Wave have signed Jordan Fusco, Mimi Van Zanten, and Nya Harrison, while re-signing 18-year-old Melanie Barcenas, who made her professional debut with the club in 2023.
The reshaped roster will face its first on-field test at the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio, Calif., beginning Feb. 15. This tournament will serve as the first real test of how quickly this new, reshaped group can come together on the field.
Whether the move ultimately benefits the Wave on the field, Sheridan’s absence will be felt immediately, not just in goal, but in the leadership and identity she helped build from day one.
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