We’ll track North Carolina Courage player contract signings, renewals and departures here throughout the year.
New players:
- Cameron Brooks (defender) – guaranteed through 2027 with option to renew for 2028; Former University of Texas player acquired for an undisclosed fee from Napoli; adding depth at center back.
- Evelyn Ijeh (forward) – guaranteed through 2029; Swedish star acquired from AC Milan
- Chioma Okafor (forward) – guaranteed through 2028, option for 2029; Nigerian National Team and UCONN
- Molly Pritchard (goalkeeper) – signed through 2027; Ohio State alumna, Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year
- Ally Schlegel (forward) – guaranteed through 2028; free agent from Chicago Stars
- Kailen Sheridan (goalkeeper) – guaranteed through 2027; Canadian National Team keeper acquired as a free agent from San Diego
- Lauryn Thompson (forward) – guaranteed through 2029; England Youth National Team and Florida State commit
- Carly Wickenheiser (midfielder) – guaranteed through 2027; acquired for an undisclosed fee from BK Häcken, former club of new head coach Mak Lind
- Madi White (goalkeeper) – guaranteed through 2028; free agent from Racing Louisville (had been loaned to Dallas Trinity)
Contract renewals:
- Maycee Bell (defender) – contract initially through 2026 now extended through 2028
- Riley Jackson (midfielder) – contract initially through 2026 now extended through 2028
- Feli Rauch (defender) – contract initially through 2025 extended for 2 years through 2027
- Olivia Wingate (forward) – extended 1 year, now guaranteed through 2026
- Dani Weatherholt (midfielder) – contract initially through 2025 extended for 1 year through 2026
Danger zone:
- Tyler Lussi (forward) – contract expired 2025
- Manaka Matsukbo (midfielder) – contract ends in 2026
- Meredith Speck (midfielder) – contract expired 2025
Known and rumored departures:
- Katie Cappelletti (keeper) – joined the Courage mid-season as third-string keeper replacing Hensley Hancuff when she retired; contract not renewed per Courage Instagram post
- Sydney Collins (defender) – signed to Bay through 2027
- Brooklyn Courtnall (defender) – on loan to Bay FC; Bay paid transfer fee of $100,000 to acquire her
- Aline Gomes (forward) – transfer to Pachuca (Liga MX Femenil)
- Marisa Jordan (goalkeeper) – transferred to Kansas City
- Kaleigh Kurtz (defender) – the veteran center back and Iron Woman signed with expansion side Denver Summit FC
- Heather MacNab (forward) – signed for partial season in 2025; contract not renewed per Courage Instagram post
- Charlotte McLean (defender) – currently on loan to Tampa Bay Sun FC; contract not renewed per Courage Instagram post
- Casey Murphy (keeper, former USWNT) – ESPN reported Murphy is heading to Boston Legacy; here’s the Courage farewell post
- Denise O’Sullivan (midfielder, team captain) – transferred to Liverpool
- Victoria Pickett (midfielder) – on loan to AFC Toronto; contract not renewed per Courage Instagram post
- Brianna Pinto (midfielder) – departing per Courage Instagram post
Current roster:
Here’s the Courage recap as it stands.
25 total players.
League minimum: 22 League maximum: 26
Goalkeepers (3): Molly Pritchard, Kailen Sheridan, Madi White
Defenders (7): Maycee Bell, Cameron Brooks, Natalie Jacobs, Feli Rauch, Sydney Schmidt, Natalia Staude, Ryan Williams
Midfielders (7): Riley Jackson, Shinomi Koyama, Manaka Matsukubo, Oli Peña, Ashley Sanchez, Dani Weatherholt, Carly Wickenheiser
Forwards (8): Hannah Betfort, Evelyn Ijeh, Payton Linnehan, Chioma Okafor, Ally Schlegel, Lauryn Thompson, Cortnee Vine, Olivia Wingate