North Wake News

The North Carolina Courage has announced the appointment of Katelyn Rowland as an assistant goalkeeping coach. Rowland, who retired from professional soccer in February, is one of the most decorated players in NWSL history, having spent eight seasons in the league, six with the Courage.

Rowland played 50 matches for the Courage between 2017 and 2023 and was a key player during their relocation from Western New York. She was instrumental in North Carolina's NWSL Shield-winning seasons in 2017 and 2018 and contributed to all eight trophies won by the club, including three Shields, two NWSL Championships, two Challenge Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, and the 2018 International Champions Cup. Additionally, she won NWSL Championships with FC Kansas City in 2015 and with Western New York Flash in 2016.

In her new role, Rowland will work with a goalkeeper group that includes USWNT regular Casey Murphy, Marisa Bova, and Hensley Hancuff. She will also join the NCFC Youth goalkeeping coaching staff alongside her duties with the Courage.

“It’s an honor to return here," said Rowland. "While my role looks a lot different this time around, it’s something that really excites me. I spent seven incredible seasons here...it was a no-brainer when this opportunity came up."

Nathan Thackeray expressed his excitement about Rowland's return: “I’m delighted to welcome Katelyn back to Courage Country as she starts her pathway as a professional coach...She’s going to make a wonderful coach.”

Stephen Palmer of NCFC Youth Goalkeeping echoed similar sentiments: “We are thrilled to welcome Katelyn back...Katelyn previously coached with us during her time with the Courage and had an immensely positive impact."

Rowland had a successful collegiate career at UCLA where she earned Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year honors as a senior in 2014. Drafted by Kansas City initially, she spent most of her career at North Carolina before being selected by Bay FC in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft.

As preparations continue for their upcoming season opener against Racing Louisville on March 15th at 5 p.m. ET on NWSL+, Rowland joins her team ready for new challenges ahead.