In 2015, Lo’eau LaBonta made just six appearances for NJ/NY Gotham—named Sky Blue FC at the time—before being cut.
A decade later, and a football career built on perseverance, the 32-year-old captained the Kansas City Current to the National Women’s Soccer League title in record time.
With five games to spare, the first-time victors clinched the shield with a 2-0 victory over Seattle Reign on Sunday, 21 September.
“Being stubborn in the most positive way possible,” LaBonta said, revealing the secret to her longevity in North America.
“I love soccer so much. It’s so fun and it’s constantly developing and changing and growing… I think that’s me as a person and a human being as well.”
It is fitting that the trophy was won on Kansas soil, where the ever-present leader is a key part of the footballing landscape in the city.
First signing for FC Kansas City in 2016, she was added to the roster of expansion side Utah Royals in 2018 when the former ceased operations after just five years of being active.
When the Utah side also shut down, the California native returned to Kansas, where the Current entered the NWSL starting in 2021.
It was a difficult first season with the club, finishing bottom of the table, managing just three wins from 24.
“Finishing last, it was hard to find the motivation to continue, to show up every day and give your all,” the midfielder admitted to NBC following that campaign.
“But that’s one thing I think every NWSL player has done; we’re here because we love the sport and we love the people around us. We love showing up.
“One thing I’ve always had is my passion for the sport and that’s why I continue to play.”
Four years on, their hard work and commitment to making things work this time around paid off in the form of a major trophy.
LaBonta’s passion didn’t just carry her through the league’s instability; it became the glue that held Kansas City’s sporting identity together.
Her refusal to let failure define the future inspired her side to rise from bottom to the top, a legacy now etched into silverware – and history.