Meggie Dougherty Howard


Megan "Meggie" Dougherty Howard is an American soccer midfielder who plays for Washington Spirit of National Women's Soccer League.

University of Florida

Coming from St. Petersburg Catholic High School, Howard entered the University of Florida as a freshman in 2013. From 2013 to 2016, she played 94 matches and scored 14 goals for the Gators, playing mostly as a holding midfielder. 2016 All American, 2016 All-SEC First Team, and 2016 All-SEC Tournament MVP

Club career

In 2015 and 2016, while still in college, Howard played for Washington Spirit Reserves in the W-League and in the Women's Premier Soccer League. With team she won the W-League title in 2015 and the Women’s Premier Soccer League East Conference in 2016. In 2015, she was elected for the W-League All-League Team.

Washington Spirit, 2017–present

In 2017, she was selected by the Washington Spirit with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft. Dougherty Howard signed with the Spirit and made her debut for the team on April 22, 2017 when she replaced Kristie Mewis in 67th minute of the match against Orlando Pride. She appeared in 23 games during her rookie season, and scored one goal.

International career

In November 2011, Howard was called for the United States U15 team. In April 2016 she was called for the United States U23 team. The camp took place in Charlottesville, Virginia and featured only collegiate players. In May 2016 Howard was included in the 20-players roster that travelled to England to play the Nordic Tournament, an important youth competition. In January 2017 Howard was again called for the United States U23 team. This was the first camp of the year and involved several prominent young players and was overseeing by Jill Ellis and her staff.