November 20, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – North Carolina Courage News Release
CARY, N.C. – Following the conclusion of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season, the North Carolina Courage today announce the status of their complete roster, as of November 20, 2023. The Courage enter the off-season after a successful season that saw a UKG NWSL Challenge Cup championship and home NWSL Playoffs match.
The Courage have 23 players under contract for the 2024 NWSL season or beyond.
Manaka Matsukubo is on loan from Mynavi Sendai of the Japanese WE League through June of 2024 with the Courage holding the option to purchase the contract outright at that time. Manaka is one of five International Slot players on the Courage roster.
Hensley Hancuff is under contract with the Courage but on loan to Växjö DFF in Sweden. Riley Jackson signed with the Courage via the NWSL U18 entry mechanism and is considered a minor until her 18th birthday in December.
Defenders Emily Fox and Kiki Pickett are restricted free agents following the 2023 season. Forwards Tess Boade and Rikke Madsen, whose contracts were set to expire at the end of 2023, were each offered a new contract by the Courage. Defender Sarah Clark, who finished the season as an Injury Replacement Player, is also out of contract.
Forward Brittany Ratcliffe has a mutual option for the 2024 season. The Courage have opted to exercise the option and Ratcliffe is currently in the 30-day decision period.
The following players are under contract with the Courage entering the free agency and waiver period (sorted by position, then alphabetically):
GOALKEEPERS (4): Marisa Bova, Hensley Hancuff (ON LOAN), Casey Murphy, Katelyn Rowland
DEFENDERS (5): Malia Berkely, Sydney Collins, Kaleigh Kurz, Estelle Johnson, Ryan Williams
MIDFIELDERS (9): Riley Jackson (U18), Rikako Kobayashi (INT), Manaka Matsukubo (LOAN, INT), Narumi Miura (INT), Denise O’Sullivan, Victoria Pickett, Brianna Pinto, Clara Robbins, Meredith Speck
FORWARDS (5): Mille Gejl (INT), Haley Hopkins, Tyler Lussi, Kerolin Nicoli (INT), Olivia Wingate
INT: International Slot
ON LOAN: Player Loaned Out
LOAN: Player Received via Loan
U18: Minor
The NWSL Free Agency period begins today, November 20, with the waiver window taking place November 21-22. The Courage will announce their protected player list for the upcoming NWSL Expansion Draft, Presented by Ally, on December 12 ahead of the event on December 15. For the latest news and updates follow the…