Boston Legacy FC Signs Mexican National Team Defender
Hernández is fresh off a season with Club América (alongside first Legacy signing Annie Karich) and will be joining BLFC as a free agent.
Boston Legacy FC has signed Nicki Hernández to a two-year contract, adding some much needed reinforcement to its back line.
Hernández is fresh off a season with Club América (alongside first Legacy signing Annie Karich) and will be joining BLFC as a free agent.
“One of my biggest dreams is being in the World Cup,” said Hernández, “And I knew coming here, I was going to be so much better individually, especially as a defender. This is probably my third year as a defender, because I would play other positions, so I know that Filipa (Patão) and all the staff here would get me better individually as a defender.”
The 26-year old began her professional career in 2022 when she joined the azulcrema and has been with the team since then, recording 11 goals in 117 appearances.
The Mexican-American is originally from Naperville, Ill. Though she was part of the U.S .Soccer youth system for a few years, her focus turned to her eligibility with Mexico’s national team after she was not called back. Hernández debuted with the Mexican senior team in late 2022 and has since represented the country in tournaments like the 2023 Pan American Games, where she won a gold medal, and the W Gold Cup. She’s earned a regular spot with Mexico and holds 27 caps. Though she has played all positions throughout her career, she’s mostly played as a midfielder and defender for club and country in the last few years.
Hernández played for the University of Michigan during college and amassed 29 goals and 21 assists over five seasons.
Hernández was called up to the Mexican national team for the 2025/2026 CONCACAF W qualifiers that will run through April, and started in a 2-0 defeat against Costa Rica in a December 2025 friendly.
“We’re really excited to welcome a player of Nicki’s quality to Boston,” said Legacy general manager Domè Guasch. “She’s had a strong college career, has been a consistent presence in a very competitive Club América side, and is a regular with the Mexican national team, including at major tournaments. Nicki is a dynamic, hard-working defender who plays with real intensity and brings qualities our fans will enjoy watching. She’s already performing at a high level, but she also has the ambition and drive to keep improving, which aligns well with what we’re building at Boston Legacy.”