Nicole Payne

Nicole Payne played a major role in Portland’s defense in her debut NWSL season in 2024, making 19 appearances in her first season as a Thorn.

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Before signing with the Thorns, Payne had been playing abroad with French giants Paris Saint-Germain and was a rostered member of the 2023/24 Coupe de France winning side.

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At the college level, Payne began her career with West Virginia University (2019-21) where she helped the Mountaineers clinch NCAA DI Tournament appearances in 2019 and 2020, She would do the same in her lone season at the University of Southern California in 2022.

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Payne is an American Nigerian dual national and has represented Nigeria internationally with 10 appearances for the Super Eagles which includes the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.