Chicago just scored a major victory—not on the field, but at the negotiating table. Julia Grosso, the star quarterback for the Canadian women’s national team and one of the most consistent players in the NWSL, signed a long-term contract extension with Chicago Stars FC through the 2028 season. A contract that demonstrates the club’s absolute faith in the future.
But what makes this moment transcend the realm of women’s soccer is… a very human reaction.
Just hours after Chicago announced the good news with the message “From Canada, for Chicago,” Jordyn Huitema—Grosso’s Olympic teammate—reposted the message on her personal Instagram. Huitema’s short message quickly became the focus: “She’s there to stay. You’ve got a good one, Chicago.”
No sensationalism. No promotion. But enough to cause a social media frenzy.
Huitema is no stranger to the spotlight. She is a star for Seattle Reign, a mainstay of the Canadian national team, and the girlfriend of Julio Rodríguez, the superstar of the Seattle Mariners. Grosso, meanwhile, is dating Jeremy Peña, the shortstop for the Houston Astros. Two worlds—MLB and NWSL—unexpectedly intersected in a moment of pure friendship and respect.
Huitema’s reaction wasn’t just congratulations. It stemmed from a shared journey. They had played together for the Canadian national team, culminating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics—a tournament that cemented Canadian women’s soccer history. And it was Grosso who stepped up to take the decisive penalty against Sweden in the nail-biting final. Huitema was a crucial link in the team, witnessing her teammates etch their names into legend.
Now, they wear the jerseys of two rival clubs in the NWSL. But the lines of their respective teams cannot erase the bond forged through pressure and glory. Huitema’s story—simple, heartwarming—shows that support remains intact.
For Chicago Stars FC, retaining Grosso is a strategic statement. Since joining the club in 2024 (then Chicago Red Stars) after a successful spell at Juventus, Grosso quickly became the heartbeat of the midfield: calm, precise, and a leader in action. Extending her contract until 2028 means Chicago is placing her at the center of a long-term rebuilding plan—not just to win games, but to build identity.
And for fans, that viral moment reminds them that sports isn’t just about statistics, contracts, or titles. Sometimes, a well-timed statement carries more weight than a press release.
“She’s there to stay.”
It could be a blessing. It could be an affirmation. And it could also be a reminder: the most enduring things in sport are often built on friendships, memories, and trust—things that never expire.
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