U'i Kaaihue spent her summer bossing the midfield at Interbay Stadium.
On Saturday, July 18, the Seattle University fifth-year midfielder capped it by assisting the go-ahead goal, converting her penalty and earning MVP honors as Salmon Bay FC defeated Vermont Green FC in a shootout to win the 2026 USL W League National Championship.
The title came in just the club's second year of existence. The roster that delivered it is now scattered across more than 30 college programs nationwide.
A record crowd of 2,096 packed Interbay Stadium for the final, which ended 1-1 through 120 minutes before Salmon Bay prevailed in their third consecutive postseason penalty shootout. The club converted 13 of 17 penalties across those three matches and allowed just two goals in five playoff games.
The championship-clinching kick belonged to Kaya Singh, a 17-year-old rising senior at Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien. Singh entered as part of head coach Malia Arrant's quadruple substitution in the 60th minute and buried the winning penalty in the sixth round. She is committed to the University of Portland for 2027.
Goalkeeper Natalie Gram, a rising senior at Mount Si High School, started three matches this summer. Salmon Bay won all three, with Gram allowing one goal. She is committed to Gonzaga for 2027.
Three UW seniors who won Big Ten titles in fall 2025 anchored the roster: Samiah Shell, the Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player who led Salmon Bay with seven assists; Anna Menti, who played every minute of the postseason; and Maya Loudd, named to the 2026 Mac Hermann Trophy Defenders to Watch List. Menti and her sister Sally starred at Roosevelt High School, less than three miles from Husky Soccer Stadium. Sally signed with the NWSL's Seattle Reign FC.
Kaaihue, a three-time All-WCC selection now on the Mac Hermann Midfielders to Watch List, finished with six goals and four assists. She scored the 88th-minute penalty that forced extra time in the national semifinal against previously unbeaten Minnesota Aurora.
"I've definitely never been in front of a crowd this big before, especially playing soccer," midfielder Sophie Hanay told KING5 on July 17, ahead of the final. "To see all those fans so energetic for us, after the last penalty is taken, we're all storming the field."
Keeley Dockter, Salmon Bay's 2025 Team MVP, is the club's first alumna playing professionally in the U.S., now with Sporting Club JAX in the Gainbridge Super League. The Bridges United Foundation, the social impact arm of Salmon Bay FC and Ballard FC, ran a free soccer camp at Georgetown Playfield during the playoff run.
UW women's soccer opens its 2026 season Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at Husky Soccer Stadium against Portland. On Sept. 4, UW hosts Seattle University at 7 p.m., a match featuring Salmon Bay alumnae on both sidelines.
Seattle Sports and Recreation Week Ahead
- Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. — UW women's soccer vs. Portland, Husky Soccer Stadium, Montlake. Season opener for the defending Big Ten champions.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. — Gonzaga women's soccer vs. South Florida, Luger Field, Spokane. Features Salmon Bay FC's Amelia Severn.
- Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m. — UW vs. Seattle University, Husky Soccer Stadium, Montlake. Salmon Bay FC alumnae on both rosters.
