CARY, N.C. (Nov. 15, 2022) – The North Carolina Courage today announce the current roster for the 2023 season ahead of NWSL free agency, which begins today, and the upcoming NWSL Draft, which will take place on January 12, 2023 as announced by the league office today.
The Courage have picked up team options on seven players from the 2022 season while not retaining the rights of three members of last season’s roster. In addition, there are several players with whom the team is in ongoing negotiations after expiring contracts.
Players whose options were exercised include goalkeeper Marissa Bova, defender Kaleigh Kurtz, midfielders Tess Boade, Emily Gray, Fuka Nagano and Frankie Tagliaferri and forward Diana Ordòñez.
The Courage have chosen not to exercise an option on defender Jaelene Daniels, while agreeing to mutual contract termination with forward Rylee Baisden and defender Katie Bowen.
Goalkeepers Casey Murphy and Katelyn Rowland, defender Ryan Williams, midfielders Debinha, Brianna Pinto and Meredith Speck and forward Brittany Ratcliffe are currently out of contract with the club, but negotiations are ongoing. The Courage currently retain the NWSL rights to Murphy, Pinto and Williams while Debinha, Ratcliffe, Rowland and Speck are NWSL free agents.
North Carolina Courage Roster (16 players):
Goalkeepers (1): Marissa Bova
Defenders (6): Malia Berkely, Abby Erceg, Kaleigh Kurtz, Carson Pickett, Kiki Pickett, Merritt Mathias
Midfielders (6): Tess Boade*, Millie Farrow, Emily Gray, Fuka Nagano, Denise O’Sullivan, Frankie Tagliaferri
Forwards (3): Rikki Madsen, Kerolin Nicoli,Diana Ordòñez
*On loan to Western Sydney Wanderers of Australian A-League until February 2023
The NWSL Free Agency period is currently underway and the team is in the midst of negotiations with potential returning players and newcomers. All transactions — including re-signings, new signings, and trades — will be announced upon confirmation by the league on social media (@TheNCCourage) and online at www.nccourage.com.
