One of the main objectives for the Pittsburgh Riveters is to provide players with a place to receive high-quality training and competitive match experience in the USL W League to enable them complete the pathway from youth soccer to the senior pre-professional level to the full professional ranks. Whether the players are homegrown through the Riverhounds Development Academy or they came to Pittsburgh for the first time to join the Riveters’ program, the focus on individual player growth remains the same.
Since the team’s first match in 2025, the Riveters have been a launching pad for multiple players to sign their first professional deals.
Tessa Dellarose, Chicago Stars (NWSL)
Dellarose, an NCAA champion at North Carolina, was the first player to join the Riveters. Raised in Grindstone, Pa. in nearby Fayette County, she was a standout youth player in the Riverhounds Development Academy and played for the United States U-20 National Team.
She captained the Riveters through their inaugural season in 2025, and on Jan. 17, 2026, it was announced that Dellarose had signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Stars. She made her NWSL debut on March 15, 2026 as a substitute against Angel City FC, and seven days later, she scored her first career goal in her first start, a 2-1 win over Kansas City Current.
Abi Hugh, Fort Lauderdale United (USL Super League)
Hugh joined the Riveters for the inaugural 2025 season after completing her college career that began at Marshall and finished at N.C. State. The Huntington, W.Va. native shined in Pittsburgh, earning Great Forest Division Player of the Year and Second Team All-League honors.
Shortly after the Riveters’ season, she signed with Cypriot champions Apollon Ladies FC, and she made her professional debut on Aug. 27, 2025 in UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying against Swiss club Young Boys. After a three-month stint in Cyprus, she signed at midseason with Fort Lauderdale United, starting 13 matches and recording her first goal and assist in a 3-3 draw Feb. 14, 2026 against Brooklyn FC.
Olivia Damico, Shelbourne FC (League of Ireland Women’s Prem.)
Damico, originally from Victor, N.Y., came to the Riveters after completing her college career at Penn State. She was one of the most potent attacking options of the team’s inaugural 2025 season, finishing second on the team with four goals and tied for the team lead with three assists.
On Feb. 11, 2026, Damico signed her first professional contract with Shelbourne FC. Her pro debut on Dublin’s Northside came in the season opener on March 14 against Treaty United FC, and a week later, she netted her first professional goal in a 1-1 draw on the road at Wexford FC.
