Stephanie Ludwig is no stranger to headlines, in fact most Portland natives will remember her as the first female to be named head athletic trainer for the Portland Timbers, and just the second female to ever hold such a title in the history of Major League Soccer.
But that was two years ago. For the past two years Ludwig has proudly served as the Timbers’ head athletic trainer, working day in and day out with some of the top soccer players in the world, ensuring they are physically equipped to go out and compete at the highest level each and every week.
Ludwig was happy and excited to continue in her position with the Timbers, gratified by the work she did with professional male athletes and with no intention of seeking a change.
That is until October of last year when Ludwig was presented with an opportunity to interview for a position with Portland Thorns FC.
“It wasn’t something I was actively seeking, but I figured ‘why not listen?’” Ludwig explained. “I was incredibly impressed by the passion from Karina [LeBlanc] regarding the vision and direction the club was heading in, and suddenly I wanted to be a part of it.
“I want to make sure to thank the Timbers staff for their patience and willingness to let me pursue this opportunity. But there was this call, deep in my gut, it was time to make the switch.”
So, in January of this year the Thorns officially named Ludwig as their new Director of Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer.
“We’ve heard our new owners, Lisa and Alex, talk about women’s sports and women’s soccer as being at an inflection point and they are exactly right,” Ludwig shared. “It’s something I’m drawn to, something everyone should want to be a part of.”
Building out and leading her staff one can see that draw, as the Thorns now boast one of the largest medical staffs, nearly doubling in size from last year to now. But despite being quote-on-quote ‘in charge,’ Ludwig believes in the ability for everyone to learn and grow from one another, creating a deeply emphatic department that leans on each other to provide the best possible care for the athletes.
“At my core, and in my heart, I lead from where I’m from as a midwest kid, kindness was ingrained into me,” Ludwig said. “I believe that I can influence and be influenced, and that I can lead while still being challenged and growing.”
When asked why she ultimately chose to make the jump the answer was easy and simple, “Because of the city and this organization, specifically.”
Despite not being a Portland native, Ludwig feels a kinship to the Rose City. Like many who move here, she’s fallen in love with the small, but big city, and the feeling of being something bigger than yourself.
“This is the only place where the community embraces you just as much as they do the athletes. It’s Soccer City USA and the Thorns are at the center of it all,” Ludwig said. “Portland loves soccer and so do I. How could I not want to be a part of it?”
While her hiring with the Thorns won’t make the same splashy headlines as it did when she made history with the Timbers, the weight and gravity of the role remains the same.
But perhaps being a part of a history-making Portland Thorns team will mean more.
PORTLAND, Ore. (Saturday, August 15, 2026) – The Portland Thorns continued their impressive home form with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pride on Saturday when forward Caiya Hanks — who was making her return to the pitch after missing action for over a year with an ACL injury — scored a stoppage time winner to secure three points for the home side.
Both sides battled back and forth as they tried to search for the opening goal, with Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold making three saves to ensure the match remained level going into the halftime break.
The Thorns came out into the second half much more threatening in Orlando’s half and finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when forward Pietra Tordin laid the ball off to forward Deyna Castellanos, who from the top right corner of Orlando’s box placed the ball perfectly into the top left corner of the goal over the hands of Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
The lead was short lived however when Arnold’s diving save to punch out a crossed ball in the 63rd minute ricocheted off the knees of Orlando forward Jacqueline Ovalle and rolled into the net to level things back up.
From there, Portland and Orlando continued in their fight to search for a second and despite several good looks at goal, the match remained level.
That would all change after Hanks — who subbed on in the 88th minute — curled the ball into the goal from outside the box in the 96th to send Providence Park into a frenzy as the Thorns secured three points and extended its home unbeaten streak to 12 matches, nine on the season.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns host Denver Summit FC for the first time at Providence Park on Saturday, August 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 pm PT on ION and 910 ESPN Portland. Purchase tickets for the match HERE.
TEAM NOTES
GOAL BREAKDOWN
First Half
N/A
Second Half
POR – Deyna Castellanos (Pietra Tordin) 58’
ORL – Jacqueline Ovalle 63’
POR – Caiya Hanks (M.A. Vignola) 90+6’
LINEUPS
Portland Thorns (4-2-3-1): Mackenzie Arnold (GK), M.A. Vignola, Jayden Perry, Isabella Obaze (Sam Hiatt 78’), Carolyn Calzada, Jessie Fleming-C, Nina Nijstad (Cassandra Bogere 85’), Pietra Tordin (Caiya Hanks 88’), Deyna Castellanos (Renee Lyles 78’), Marie Müller (Morgan Weaver 67’), Sophia Wilson
Subs not used: Morgan Messner (GK), Reyna Reyes, Shae Harvey, Mallie McKenzie
Orlando Pride (4-4-2): Anna Moorhouse (GK), Hailie Mace (Gabi Nunes 90+8’), Rafaelle (Zoe Matthews 89’), Cori Dyke, Oihane Hernández (Zara Chavoshi 76’), Solai Washington, Ally Lemos, Haley McCutcheon-C, Julie Doyle (Summer Yates 65’), Jacqueline Ovalle, Barbra Banda (Angelina 65’)
Subs not used: Cara Martin (GK), Cossette Morche, Luana, Nicole Payne
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR: N/A
ORL: Jacqueline Ovalle (Yellow) 40’, Julie Doyle (Yellow) 52’, Rafaelle (Yellow) 85’
MATCH STATS
POR | ORL
Goals: 2|1
Assists: 2|0
Possession: 51|49
Shots: 10|12
Shots on Target: 4|6
Saves: 5|2
Tackles: 16|16
Tackles Won: 9|11
Interceptions: 14|26
Fouls: 7|6
Offsides: 0|1
Corner Kicks: 0|6
ATTENDANCE: 19,106
Referee: Brad Jensen
Assistant Referee 1: Katarzyna Wasiak
Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Gaddes
4th Official: Justin St. Pierre
VAR: Danielle Chesky
Assistant VAR: Seun Yinka-Kehinde
Stephanie Ludwig is no stranger to headlines, in fact most Portland natives will remember her as the first female to be named head athletic trainer for the Portland Timbers, and just the second female to ever hold such a title in the history of Major League Soccer.
But that was two years ago. For the past two years Ludwig has proudly served as the Timbers’ head athletic trainer, working day in and day out with some of the top soccer players in the world, ensuring they are physically equipped to go out and compete at the highest level each and every week.
Ludwig was happy and excited to continue in her position with the Timbers, gratified by the work she did with professional male athletes and with no intention of seeking a change.
That is until October of last year when Ludwig was presented with an opportunity to interview for a position with Portland Thorns FC.
“It wasn’t something I was actively seeking, but I figured ‘why not listen?’” Ludwig explained. “I was incredibly impressed by the passion from Karina [LeBlanc] regarding the vision and direction the club was heading in, and suddenly I wanted to be a part of it.
“I want to make sure to thank the Timbers staff for their patience and willingness to let me pursue this opportunity. But there was this call, deep in my gut, it was time to make the switch.”
So, in January of this year the Thorns officially named Ludwig as their new Director of Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer.
“We’ve heard our new owners, Lisa and Alex, talk about women’s sports and women’s soccer as being at an inflection point and they are exactly right,” Ludwig shared. “It’s something I’m drawn to, something everyone should want to be a part of.”
Building out and leading her staff one can see that draw, as the Thorns now boast one of the largest medical staffs, nearly doubling in size from last year to now. But despite being quote-on-quote ‘in charge,’ Ludwig believes in the ability for everyone to learn and grow from one another, creating a deeply emphatic department that leans on each other to provide the best possible care for the athletes.
“At my core, and in my heart, I lead from where I’m from as a midwest kid, kindness was ingrained into me,” Ludwig said. “I believe that I can influence and be influenced, and that I can lead while still being challenged and growing.”
When asked why she ultimately chose to make the jump the answer was easy and simple, “Because of the city and this organization, specifically.”
Despite not being a Portland native, Ludwig feels a kinship to the Rose City. Like many who move here, she’s fallen in love with the small, but big city, and the feeling of being something bigger than yourself.
“This is the only place where the community embraces you just as much as they do the athletes. It’s Soccer City USA and the Thorns are at the center of it all,” Ludwig said. “Portland loves soccer and so do I. How could I not want to be a part of it?”
While her hiring with the Thorns won’t make the same splashy headlines as it did when she made history with the Timbers, the weight and gravity of the role remains the same.
But perhaps being a part of a history-making Portland Thorns team will mean more.
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