Big news out of Chicago: USWNT star Mallory Swanson is officially back on the active roster for the Chicago Stars, and she could see game action as soon as this Saturday against the North Carolina Courage.

Swanson is returning from maternity leave after welcoming her daughter, Josie, in November 2025. It's a moment fans have been eagerly awaiting—especially considering how integral she's been to the Stars since joining the club in 2021. Over that span, she's netted 23 goals and started every single match for the team in 2024, her most recent season on the pitch.

Her return adds a major spark to a Chicago side that's been without one of its most dynamic playmakers. Swanson is locked in through the 2028 season on one of the most lucrative long-term contracts in the league, underscoring just how much the organization values her leadership and game-changing ability.

If she steps onto the field Saturday, it'll be a triumphant comeback for a player who's already proven she can dominate at the highest levels—both internationally and in the NWSL. For Stars fans, it's the kind of boost that could shift the momentum of their season.