USL W League Madison Adds Center Back, Elsa Maurer, to 2026 Roster
Three-Year WIAA Division 1 Champion Looks to Elevate the Defensive Line
MADISON, WI: USL W League Madison’s newest signing, Elsa Maurer, is set to reinforce the team’s back line during their inaugural 2026 season. A center back from Muskego, Wisconsin, Maurer is a seasoned leader committed to strengthening her team both on and off the field.
”Elsa’s game keeps growing, and it shows,” says USL W League Madison Head Coach, Giuliano Oliviero. “Her instincts and soccer intelligence allow her to sniff out danger early, and her technical ability turns those defensive stops into meaningful attacks. We can’t wait to have Elsa competing with us in the Madison USL W League.”
Maurer is currently a senior at Muskego High School where she boasts an impressive record, including three consecutive WIAA High School Division 1 State Championships. Her stellar back-field play earned her the United Soccer Coaches Association All-American and All-Region awards, as well as Top Drawer Soccer High School Best XI. She joined future USL W League Madison teammates, Sonoma Bever and Jessica Fernau, in being named Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association First Team All-State in 2025, and was also awarded Classic 8 Conference’s First Team All-Conference. Maurer finished the 2025 season with an impressive 20-0-2 record, bringing her overall high school record to 55-2-8. She will play collegiately for Butler University beginning in the Fall 2026 season.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Elsa Maurer to the Madison W League team. Her success throughout her club and high school career has been tremendous,” said USL W League Madison Technical Director, Liz Lawrence. “Elsa’s exceptional ball-winning ability, strong leadership, and defensive presence will undoubtedly be a great addition to our team this season.”
Maurer’s strong leadership also extended to the SC Wave Girls Academy, where she led her team on the field as Team Captain and off the field as a member of the Girls Academy Advisory Panel, a player-led group that empowers its members to inspire change within the league. She propelled the Wave to two back-to-back GA Midwest Conference Championships and National Finalist Awards. Her exceptional performance also prompted her Girls Academy National Talent ID selection, where she trained with the top talent in the country.
“I am super excited and honored to be a part of the USL W League Madison team,” said Maurer. “I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and am excited about how this challenging environment will help prepare me for my collegiate journey at Butler University next year. I look forward to growing as a player, pushing myself, and bringing my competitive spirit to the team. Finally, I’m excited to reconnect with former teammates and coaches and build relationships with new teammates. It’s an honor to represent Madison and be part of this growing program!”
USL W League Madison coaching staff will build on these previous competitive relationships, while also seamlessly adding new talent to the team. The team will be further strengthened by the launch of their brand on December 12th, which will unite all members under one collective name and logo. Members of the community are encouraged to attend the brand unveil to show their support for the club and the arrival of women’s soccer in Madison. More details on this free event can be found here.
About USL W Madison: USL W League Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.madisonwomenssoccer.com. Purchase your Season Tickets here.
