Croix Collette Bethune (/ˈkrɔɪ bəˈθuːn/ CROY bə-THOON;[4] born March 14, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.
Bethune played college soccer for the USC Trojans and Georgia Bulldogs, twice being named first-team All-American, before being selected by the Spirit third overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft.
[5] She also played basketball in high school but chose to focus on soccer after recovering from an ACL tear while training with the national under-17 team.
[15] She was part of the starting lineup from the opening matchday on March 17, filling the role that belonged to recently traded Ashley Sanchez.
[19] Her strike in late stoppage time on June 15, salvaging a 1–1 draw against San Diego Wave FC, was voted NWSL Goal of the Week.
[22] Four days later, she tore her meniscus while throwing the first pitch at a Washington Nationals baseball game, ending her rookie season prematurely; she scored 5 goals in 17 appearances.
[37][38] The United States went on to win the gold medal, defeating Brazil 1–0 in the final on a goal from Mallory Swanson.
[39] An attacking midfielder, Bethune possesses excellent vision and technical skill which make her a standout passer.