WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 9, 2026) – DC Power Football Club has exercised a Club option for both midfielder Ellie Gilbert and goalkeeper Makenna Gottschalk through the 2027 Gainbridge Super League season pending league and federation approval.
“We’re so excited to bring Makenna and Ellie back as we continue to bolster the roster ahead of the upcoming season” Steven Birnbaum, DC Power Football Club Sporting Director, said. “Ellie is one of our most dynamic midfielders, bringing an immediate impact on both sides of the field. Meanwhile, Makenna has been extremely solid for our defense, and we’re lucky to have a player of her caliber in goal. These are two key players who embody our style of play and consistently make our team better.”
Gilbert signed with DC Power FC on July 3, 2025, making her debut on August 23, 2025 in a 3-1 win against Sporting Jax where she contributed her sole assist of the season. The midfielder made 16 appearances and scored one goal throughout the 2025/26 season. Prior to joining Power FC, she made her professional debut with FTC-Telekom in Budapest, Hungary during their 2025 season, establishing herself as a fundamental part of the championship team’s midfield. Before competing professionally, Gilbert played four seasons at the University of Georgia. A SEC Tournament Champion during her junior season, she went on to captain her team her final year, appearing in all 21 matches and amassing 1,778 minutes for the Bulldogs.
Gottschalk joined the club on July 5, 2025 from Fort Lauderdale United FC. During the 2025/26 season, she started nine games, recorded 32 saves, and maintained a 76.2% save success rate. Gottschalk made her debut for Power FC on March 12, 2026 in a 1-1 draw against Dallas Trinity FC, recording six saves throughout the game. Prior to joining the club, she made five appearances with Fort Lauderdale United recording 21 saves with a 77.8% save percentage in 2024/25 and played overseas for SCU Torreense in Portugal from 2023-2024. Over her collegiate career, Gottschalk played at Daytona State College before transferring to New Mexico State University. She started all 52 matches during her three seasons with the Aggies and left her mark as one of the program’s top goalkeepers.
DC Power FC returns home to Audi Field on Saturday, August 15 against Carolina Ascent FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST with tickets available for purchase at dcpowerfootballclub.com/tickets.
Ellie Gilbert
Position: Midfielder
Birthplace: Atlanta, GA
Birthdate: 3/22/2003
Height: 5’10’’
Age: 22
Status: Domestic
Makenna Gottschalk
Position: Goalkeeper
Birthplace: West Minster, CO
Birthdate: 11/4/1999
Height: 5’8’’
Age: 26
Status: Domestic
Transaction: DC Power FC Extend Midfielder Ellie Gilbert and Goalkeeper Makenna Gottschalk Through 2026/27
ABOUT DC POWER FOOTBALL CLUB
DC Power Football Club (Power FC) is one of the founding teams in the Gainbridge Super League that launched in August 2024. DC Power FC’s full 2026 Fall Season schedule available HERE. To purchase season tickets, please visit dcpowerfootballclub.com/tickets.
DC Power FC bridges the journey from youth to professional, connecting the global game to local fans. The club is dedicated to increasing the opportunities for both young girls and women to participate in professional soccer, not just as players but as leaders and champions both on and off the field.
DC Power FC is headquartered in Washington, DC, and are led by club president and local business leader, Jordan Stuart, who oversees the day-to-day operations at Power FC. For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcpowerfootballclub.com and find us on social media @DCPowerFC.
