CARY, NC (January 21, 2022) – The North Carolina Courage today announced the signing of New Zealand international Katie Bowen to a one-year contract with an option to renew for the 2023 season. Bowen has a US Green Card, thus she does not fill an international roster spot.
Selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NWSL Draft, the 27-year-old began her NWSL career with FC Kansas City, spending two years with the club and collecting 34 appearances and scoring two goals. Bowen remained with the club through their move to Utah, as well as through their 2021 move back to Kansas City, tallying 55 appearances over four seasons. Prior to beginning her professional soccer career, the defender attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, winning a national championship with the Tar Heels in 2012.
“My US soccer career started here as a Tar Heel ten years ago and it’s always been a dream to get back,” Bowen said. “I’m so excited to join the Courage and bring home the 2022 championship.”
Bowen also brings a wealth of international experience to the Courage, and was a member of New Zealand’s U-17 and U-20 national teams from 2008 to 2014. In 2011, she received her first call up to New Zealand’s senior national team, making her debut in a match against Australia in May of that year. She has since totaled 59 appearances for the Kiwis, representing New Zealand in three World Cups and two Olympic Games, and most recently played in a friendly match on November 30.
“We are thrilled to add someone of Katie’s experience,” said Head Coach Sean Nahas. “She is a very versatile player who will add so much to our environment. She brings a great energy and passion to the game, which is something I know our players can and will feed off of. When I spoke to Katie on the phone, I could sense the excitement for her to come to North Carolina, a place where she went to college, and now a place she can call home in her professional career.”
