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Defender Waniya Hudson joined the Spirit in May after spending the early part of 2024 as a training player with Gotham FC. Prior to her professional career, Hudson was one of the most consistent players at Notre Dame during her time with the program, tallying nearly 7,400 minutes of action and appearing in 96 matches across five seasons with the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame made four NCAA Tournament appearances during Hudson’s tenure, including an Elite Eight run in 2022.
We sat down with her to learn a little more about her outside of the pitch…
What was your first soccer memory?
I would say watching my older sister play. I got into playing soccer because of her – I always went to her games, running around, stuff like that. I think I was like 8, my sister was probably around 16. She was kind of my soccer role model. She introduced me to the sport.
Is there a story behind you preferred jersey number?
I don’t get to wear it currently, but my favorite number is 20. I was #20 on my club team. I played on a boys’ team, and my coach gave me the number. At first, I didn’t know why he gave me the number 20, but I came to find out it was because of Abby Wambach. She is from Rochester, and we have the same birthday. At first, I didn’t know that, and he was like, “Yeah, you going to be #20 because Abby also played on a guy’s team, she’s from Rochester and has same birthday, here.” That’s why I wanted to keep that number. In college, I was #25 because #20 was taken. It was cool because when I was younger, she ran soccer camps that I went to, and got to I meet her.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I watch so much TV and so many movies. I really like the movie Soul. It’s a sad movie, but happy at the same time. The Pursuit of Happiness, another sad movie. It’s just so good. I’m not in my feels on purpose, but it can be uplifting too. I watch so much television. I like ˆ, you just put it on. I think it’s kind of funny, you don’t really have to pay attention to it. I watch this Netflix show called School Spirits. Wait – Fresh Prince of Bel Air is my favorite TV show. It’s my wallpaper on my lock screen. I don’t know how I didn’t think of that instantly.
Did you ever have a first job that wasn’t soccer related?
Yes, I worked at a summer tennis camp when I was younger. Throughout the years, everyone in my family participated in this camp, and I ended up eventually becoming a tennis coach. I have to say Serena Williams is my favorite player; I just have to.
What was you first concert?
My first concert was on my 21st birthday. My older sister took me to New York City to go to a music festival – Gov Ball. I think the opening act was Tove Lo. I saw Kendrick, and he was good. I saw Jazmine Sullivan. She was so good. Gov Ball just brings in a bunch of different artists, it was so cool. I think Shaq was there, too. He performed his EDM set, and I missed it. I was so upset.
What’s a skill you always wanted to learn?
Just speaking a different language fluently. I only speak English now. Honestly, I would want to learn Spanish or French, either one. In high school I took ASL, and I’m not fluent in that yet.
What’s always in your fridge?
Probably eggs or tuna. A tuna sandwich or tuna with crackers is a good snack. I’ll put mayonnaise, some pepper, garlic and onion powder, and mix it. I can’t eat the raw tuna. I always mix it.
Do you have a travel bucket list?
I really want to go to Trinidad. Part of my family is from there. It’s very beautiful. Thailand, too, because I know it’s just gorgeous. Maybe Jamaica. My older sister went there last year on a solo trip, and she really liked it, and enjoyed. I would like to experience that.
