January 24, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Washington Spirit News Release
Washington, D.C. – The Washington Spirit has released its initial 2024 preseason roster, the club announced today. The roster features three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and nine forwards.
This year’s preseason roster features ten players with senior international experience. Goalkeepers Nicole Barnhart and Aubrey Kingsbury, defender Casey Krueger, midfielder Andi Sullivan and forwards Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman have all played for the United States, while defender Annaïg Butel and forward Ouleymata Sarr have capped for the French national team. Defender Gabby Carle has appeared for Canada, and forward Riley Tanner has competed with Panama. Carle, Kingsbury, Rodman, Sullivan and Tanner were all called up by their respective federations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Earlier this month, the Spirit signed two free agents – Krueger and forward Brittany Ratcliffe. Krueger comes to Washington, D.C. after playing for the Chicago Red Stars since 2016, while Ratcliffe most recently played with the North Carolina Courage. Both players signed with the Spirit on three-year deals.
Also on the roster are all six of the Spirit’s 2024 NWSL Draft picks, including four first rounders: midfielders Croix Bethune (Georgia, Pick #3), Courtney Brown (Utah, Pick #49), Hal Hershfelt (Clemson, Pick #5) and Makenna Morris (Clemson, Pick #13), forward Anna Podojil (Arkansas, Pick #35) and defender Kate Wiesner (Penn State, Pick #7). Additionally, the Spirit will welcome two undrafted trialists to preseason camp: defender Maya Antoine (Vanderbilt) and midfielder Heather Stainbrook (Utah Valley).
“I couldn’t be more excited about our group. They look poised to attack the upcoming preseason training that will set us up for a phenomenal 2024 season,” said President of Soccer Operations/General Manager Mark Krikorian. “I believe this is an outstanding roster with the ability to succeed in the most competitive league in the sport.”
2024 Washington Spirit Preseason Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Nicole Barnhart, Lyza Bosselmann, Aubrey Kingsbury
Defenders (7): Maya Antoine (NRI), Annaïg Butel (INTL), Gabrielle Carle (INTL), Anna Heilferty, Casey Krueger, Tara McKeown, Kate Wiesner (DRAFT)
Midfielders (7): Croix Bethune (DRAFT), Courtney Brown (DRAFT), Hal Hershfelt (DRAFT), Paige Metayer, Makenna Morris (DRAFT), Heather Stainbrook (NRI), Andi Sullivan
Forwards (9): Ashley…