CARY, NC (January 10, 2022) – The North Carolina Courage have traded forward Lynn Williams to the Kansas City Current in exchange for $200,000 in allocation money, the rights to goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland, and the Current’s natural first round pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, the club announced today.
Following the trade, the Courage now hold three first round picks in the 2023 NWSL Draft.
“Since coming to North Carolina, Lynn has represented the Courage jersey with the utmost respect and passion,” Head Coach Sean Nahas said. “She has given so much to this club, her teammates, the fans, and staff in helping to win titles. More importantly, she has always carried herself with class and she is someone I will truly miss having here. I will always continue to be one of her biggest supporters and will always wish her much success. I cannot thank Lynn enough for what she has done here and the trust she has shown me personally in helping her along the way on her journey. She’s a special person who will always be a massive part of the Courage legacy.”
Drafted sixth overall to Western NY in 2015, Williams helped lead the Flash to their first ever NWSL Championship just one year later. To conclude her championship season, the Fresno, CA native was named the 2016 NWSL MVP and also earned the Golden Boot Award prior to the club relocating to North Carolina in 2017. Throughout her time with the Courage, Williams played an integral role procuring two more NWSL Championship titles, three NWSL Shields, and an ICC Championship title. A powerful forward on and off the ball, Williams collected 48 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances while with the Courage. During the 2021 season, she became the league leader in assists, breaking a league record.
“Lynn has been such a massive part of our Courage history and we are so grateful for the significant impact she’s made on this club,” President and GM Curt Johnson said. “It’s a bittersweet goodbye, as we will miss her presence on and off the field here. However, we understood her desire to continue to pursue new challenges and we honored her decision to make that transition in her career.”
“We are thrilled to bring Katelyn back to North Carolina as a part of this trade,” Johnson added. “She has also been an important part of our championship rosters for many years, an active member in the community, and returns with a wealth of veteran experience. Also, we are excited for more player news soon as we’ve been working on a parallel path to reinvest these resources immediately.”
Katelyn Rowland returns to the Courage roster after being traded to Kansas City in July of last season. With the Current, Rowland logged four appearances and 360 minutes of playing time.
“First, I would like to thank the Kansas City organization, my teammates, staff, and fans for the opportunities, experiences and support provided to me during my time here,” Rowland said. “They have an amazing group of people with a bright future in the NWSL. This opportunity to return back to Carolina feels like I’m returning home. I know this year is going to look a lot different in many ways, but I am excited to be a part of the next chapter. I’m ready to put the crest on and eager to get back to work.”
Prior to her time in KC, Rowland appeared in 30 matches for the Courage, and has been an integral part of the team’s continued success throughout the years, likewise winning two NWSL Championship titles, three NWSL Shields, and a Women’s ICC Championship title. Rowland also began her career with the club in Western New York, making six appearances in net.
“The opportunity to bring Katelyn back to North Carolina was one we didn’t want to pass up,” Head Coach Sean Nahas said. “She will be a great addition back into our locker room, knowing our staff and many of our players. I know how much she grew both on and off the field here under the guidance of our goalkeeper coach, Nathan Thackeray. We are excited to welcome back someone with championship pedigree and a player who will be working each day to better herself for the team. We are excited to welcome Katelyn back home.”
