Gotta disagree. UCLA and being in L.A. while also being one of if not the most high profile young American soccer stars, while utilizing the resources and connections of UCLA would of done more to build and develop a brand. Cashing in on a brand is only part of the equation, and being in a small east Coast market playing mediocre “pro” Soccer will accomplish very little brand wise, not to mention having the resources to utilize for training, medical, conditioning, in off season etc. 9 year old girls are only a small fraction of brand designation, but yes they do line up for autographs and yes girls do follow Soccer, and yes girls know who Fleming, and Sanchez are, they matter, and they have a brand already. And in my opinion mater sometimes more than the senior national team players. More visible, accessible. That’s how you grow your market.
Pro soccer, as mediocre as you call it, it still far better than the college game. But I'm sure she is better off not playing against Rapinoe, Marta, Morgan and other National Team players every week. Dedicating completely to soccer instead of bookending her classes with practices would be better for her soccer too I suppose. You may not appreciate the pro game but watching Spirit subs essentially clean the floor with UNCs best in a scrimmage shows the separation between the college and the pro game.
For long term soccer development, Pugh absolutely made the right decision to go Pro.
And as a East Coaster, no her brand would absolutely not have been expanded by playing in college. Only being on the NT would have elevated her status. Outside of your bubble nobody cares.