Aria Nagai has made a significant impact within the Herriman area through her professional soccer career and her dedication to community service. According to a Utah Royals FC announcement published on April 28, 2026, Nagai was named a nominee for the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award. This award, presented by Nationwide, is designed to recognize an NWSL player for outstanding service and character off the pitch. The award was introduced in 2024 to honor Lauren Holiday, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee.
Nagai, a Japanese born midfielder, has utilized her platform to engage with the Asian American population by working closely with the Asian Association of Utah, according to the April 28, 2026, announcement. She has also dedicated time to hands-on service through the Tony Finau Foundation, where she joined other Utah Royals FC and Real Salt Lake players to read to students at a literacy center. As noted in the April 28, 2026, document, her involvement reflects a commitment to community-building through soccer and helping to create inclusive spaces where education and sport intersect.
In terms of her professional career, Nagai joined the Utah Royals as a non-roster trialist prior to the 2025 season and signed with the club on March 4, 2025. She made her professional debut on April 25, 2025, appearing for Cece Delzer during a match against the Houston Dash. According to a Utah Royals FC press release published on July 31, 2026, Nagai has logged 675 minutes and made 21 appearances for the Royals throughout her professional career in the NWSL. During the 2026 campaign, she earned one start, logging 93 minutes and making five appearances.
As of the July 31, 2026, announcement, the Utah Royals FC announced that Nagai has been loaned to Dallas Trinity FC for the remainder of the 2026 season. Dallas Trinity FC is a club in the USLW that entered its third season in 2026. The club finished fourth during the 2026 USLW season with a record of 11-10-7 and 28 points. Nagai's collegiate career included playing three seasons with the Princeton Tigers from 2021 to 2023, where she earned her bachelor's degree, and a season as a graduate transfer with the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2024.
Earlier in the 2026 cycle, Nagai was listed as a player not under contract for the 2026 season in a document published on November 14, 2025, though the club was in discussions with her at that time. Her professional journey has been defined by both her athletic contributions on the pitch and her efforts to inspire young athletes through representation and community engagement.
What this means for Herriman
For Herriman residents, Nagai's career highlights the connection between professional sports and local community service. Her work with the Asian Association of Utah and the Tony Finau Foundation demonstrates how professional athletes can influence local social dynamics. As she continues her career with Dallas Trinity FC, her previous contributions remain a notable example of community engagement within the region.
