USL W League Madison Signs Elite Local Goalkeeper, Malia Zillman
Zillman becomes first-ever USL W League Madison Keeper
MADISON, WI: USL W League Madison has signed the club’s first-ever goalkeeper, Malia Zillman. The 16-year-old from Waunakee has already shown incredible mastery in the goalkeeper position, both locally and internationally, and is set to be an imposing threat between the sticks for the USL W League Madison club in its inaugural season in 2026.
“We are all excited for Malia,” said USL W League Madison Head Coach, Giuliano Oliviero. “It’s rare to see a young goalkeeper with her level of talent, maturity, and presence. It’s even more meaningful that Malia gets to showcase it in front of her hometown fans.”
Zillman grew up in Madison and has built off of her outstanding high school career playing for the Waunakee Warriors to reach new heights in the sport. The proven shot-stopper helped see the Warriors into the state semi-finals in 2024 and her success there opened up an opportunity for her to play in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for the Rockford Raptors in 2025. During her time with the Raptors this year, Zillman received ECNL Conference Cup Best XI and Golden Glove honors as well as made the ECNL Conference Cup Selection Midwest Team and helped lead the squad to become ECNL Midwest Conference Champions.
“I am honestly so blessed to have the opportunity to step up to the next level in soccer with this team,” said Zillman. “It means so much to me to be a part of this growing program. I cannot wait to join the squad soon and kick off the new season!”
Zillman will also bring a wealth of international experience to the team. She was invited to the US Youth National Team (USYNT) ID Camp in 2024 and trained with the U16 US National Team in their Netherlands, Spain and domestic camps in 2025. Additionally, Zillman participated in the United States
Olympic Development Program (ODP) in 2023 and 2024, making both their Midwest Regional Team and National Team Selection. With her already sterling young career blossoming, USL W League Madison will seek to further elevate Zillman’s game as she continues to rise through the ranks in her pursuit of becoming a top professional athlete.
“Malia brings incredible energy, competitiveness, and a constant will to improve and be her best,” said USL W League Madison Technical Director and Assistant Coach, Liz Lawrence. “She’s the kind of player who raises the standard every day — her drive and enthusiasm will make an immediate impact within our group both on and off the field.”
Zillman will stay true to her Midwestern roots not only in her signing with the USL W League Madison squad, but also in her recent commitment to play for the University of Iowa. As USL W League Madison gets off the ground in 2026, they will look to provide a platform for Zillman to grow on and off the pitch in order to reach all of her professional aspirations in soccer and beyond.
“If you have seen Malia play, you know that she has a presence and a positive energy that undoubtedly contributes to her success at every level,” said USL W League Madison Assistant Coach, Tenzin Rampa. “We are excited to see what she can do in the next step in her journey here in Madison.”
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. Place your Season Ticket deposits here.
