Guess it had to take seven NWSL matches and a couple of USWNT camps to know the whereabouts of Mallory Swanson. Since the beginning of the 2025 campaign, the Chicago Red Stars forward was AWOL, leaving not a single clue regarding her absence from on-pitch action. But at last, we finally have a valid explanation, as Swanson shared quite an important announcement, leaving the entire soccer fraternity in awe and celebration mode.

Back on January 27, “personal reasons” was how the Chicago Red Stars described the sudden absence of their talented forward, with even the 27-year-old herself not revealing any details. In fact, throughout this period, Mal remained quite active on social media but never specifically addressed her absence from the pitch—until today, when her Instagram post finally gave all the answers!

She shared a collaboration post with her significant other and Chicago Cubs shortstop, Dansby Swanson. In all three pictures, the sports couple posed in an all-white outfit, matching the background and theme. But what caught the eye of many was seeing Mallory Swanson holding a sonogram in her hand, and posing again while keeping her hand on her stomach. Still need a clue?

Well, keep your congratulations and celebration in order as the Swansons are expecting their first baby. The post captioned, “Our greatest blessing 🤍” really sums up the feeling of the star couple. After almost three years of marriage, it seems both Mallory and Dansby are ready to take the next big step of expanding their little family, as they now await the birth of their little one.

Dansby looks quite enthusiastic for the new chapter ahead, as the baseball star joyously commented, “I love you ❤️.” Though neither of the American star athletes has revealed the gender of their upcoming baby, there’s no doubt the star couple will raise their child with love, strength, and purpose. In fact, that baby’s hitting the genetic jackpot with Mal and Dansby as parents.

So don’t be surprised if there’s a tiny future athlete crawling into the spotlight before long! Either way, this is indeed quite a heartwarming update from Mallory Swanson. The downside to this announcement is, of course, that the 2024 Paris Olympian will be missing the majority of the 2025 season. But it will be worth the while. Rest assured, even her teammates feel the same. They can’t stop obsessing over this news!

USWNT and NWSL stars send their love to Mallory Swanson

The moment Mallory Swanson made this post online, boy, did it leave the entire soccer community in awe. All those subtle frustrations over the lack of game time literally vanished among fans, who instead got emotional and congratulated the Littleton, Colorado native. But nothing could match what fellow teammates—and even league rivals—had to say in the comment section of the post.

Honestly, we saw this comment coming from a mile away. You just can’t deny that Sophia Smith had to write, “My sis 🥹❤️.” And why wouldn’t she? The Portland Thorns star is pregnant herself, having made the announcement back on March 5. Also, the sheer coincidence of it all! Completing this trio—often called Triple Espresso—would technically be Trinity Rodman. But we don’t think the Washington Spirit forward is ready to make such a big leap yet. She’s had her eyes locked in on a lot more, but just as important.

Well, moving forward from the awkwardness, USWNT Carli Lloyd also sent her best wishes to the happy couple, commenting, “Sooo amazing. Congratulations to you both ❤️❤️.” Speaking of veterans, former American international goalie Alyssa Naeher wrote, “So so so beyond happy for the both of you!! Can’t wait to meet the little Swanson ❤️.”

Almost everyone is eagerly waiting to meet baby Swanson. While there are still a few weeks to go, in the meantime, fans and players alike are pouring in their love and well-wishes for Mallory. One message came from across the ocean, as Chelsea star Catarina Macario chimed in with, “Yessssss!!! so so happy for you 🥰🥰❤️.”

The rest were similar comments from the likes of Lynn Biyendolo, Sam Mewis, Kelley O’Hara, Casey Krueger, Sarah Gordon, Ashley Sanchez, Alyssa Thompson, and more. Even the USWNT, NWSL, and Chicago Stars sent their heartiest congratulations. Likewise, Dansby received heartwarming messages from his fellow Cubs teammates.

Be that as it may, it’s truly heartwarming news as Mallory Swanson joyfully steps into motherhood. Let the countdown to meet the little Swanson begin!