Growing up, Addie McCain wanted to be Spencer Reid, the behavioral analyst from the crime show Criminal Minds. She wanted to be able to analyze everyone and know everything about them.
While that isn’t her official title these days, McCain has certainly been able to apply her analytical skills to the soccer field as she’s grown into a professional player.
The 2020 SEC Midfielder of the Year at Texas A&M was selected by the Kansas City Current as the 17th pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. But after two seasons in Missouri, McCain was signed to the Chicago Red Stars back in December, just a few weeks before former head coach Rory Dames was banned from the league for life due to sexual misconduct and systemic abuse allegations. Following the release of the Sally Q. Yates report that detailed further misconduct allegations in the league, the Red Stars players demanded that Arnim Whisler, then co-owner and chairman of the team, sell his share of the team.
This past offseason was also interrupted by the introduction of free agency, resulting in veteran player Danielle Claprico, along with Morgan Gautrat and Rachel Hill leaving Chicago. Just a year before, the Stars lost Julie Ertz and Sarah Gorden, both leaders on the team, as they headed to Los Angeles to join Angel City FC.
While the team has struggled with attendance over the years as well as having to endure the recent restructuring and scandals, a new coach, new ownership and new players could be all they need to reach their full potential. McCain is one of those players who wasn’t swayed by the past and is ready to take on what is next.
