CHICAGO — The Chicago Red Stars have acquired Makenzy Doniak from Utah Royals FC in exchange for the club’s natural second-round draft selection in the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft, the clubs announced today. 

“Makenzy’s positional versatility, her ability to create and finish scoring opportunities, and  NWSL Championship pedigree made her very appealing to us as we begin to bring in pieces to bolster our attack,” Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames said. 

Doniak, 25, has played in 52 games since entering the league in 2016. The eleventh overall selection in the 2016 NWSL College Draft by the Western New York Flash, Doniak would score three goals and tally four assists her rookie campaign as she helped the Flash win the 2016 NWSL Championship. 

Doniak would continue her offensive productivity the following year for the North Carolina Courage, assisting three goals in 21 games played. She would go on to lift the NWSL Supporter’s Shield and reach the NWSL Championship.  

During the 2017 NWSL offseason, Doniak would take her talents overseas to Adelaide United in Australia’s W-League where she teamed up with Chicago’s Alyssa Mautz, Danielle Colaprico, and Katie Naughton. She would score seven goals in 12 appearances. 

Doniak was traded to Utah in June of 2018. After missing the 2018 NWSL Season due to injury, she would return for the 2019 campaign, making 11 appearances for the Royals. 

Prior to entering the NWSL, Doniak studied at the University of Virginia. Along with fellow Red Stars teammates Danielle Colaprico and Morgan Brian, Doniak would help the Cavaliers reach the 2014 National Championship. She would leave Virginia as the career leader in points (164) and goals (64). 

Makenzy Doniak

Position: Forward

Height: 5’8

Born: February 25, 1994 (25 years old)

Last Club: Utah Royals FC

Citizenship: USA