East Wake Times

The North Carolina Courage has announced that Katelyn Rowland will join the team as an assistant goalkeeping coach. Rowland, who retired from professional soccer in February, is one of the most decorated players in NWSL history. She played eight seasons in the league, six with the Courage, and will now work under Nathan Thackeray's goalkeeping staff.

During her time with the Courage from 2017 to 2023, Rowland appeared in 50 matches across all competitions. She was a key player during North Carolina’s NWSL Shield-winning seasons in 2017 and 2018 and contributed to all eight trophies in the club’s history. Her achievements include three Shields, two NWSL Championships, Challenge Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, and the 2018 International Champions Cup. She also won NWSL Championships with FC Kansas City in 2015 and Western New York Flash in 2016.

Rowland will be working with a group of goalkeepers that includes USWNT regular Casey Murphy, Marisa Bova, and Hensley Hancuff. She will also join the NCFC Youth goalkeeping coaching staff alongside her new role at 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 feel very fortunate to start my coaching career in such an environment."

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 from NCFC Youth Goalkeeping added: “We are thrilled to welcome Katelyn back...We are excited to welcome her back and look forward to the positive impact she’ll bring.”

Rowland had an impressive collegiate career at UCLA where she earned Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year honors as a senior. Drafted by Kansas City initially, she spent most of her career with North Carolina before being selected by Bay FC for their inaugural season.

As preparations continue for their regular season opener against Racing Louisville on March 15th at 5 p.m. ET on NWSL+, Rowland embarks on this new chapter with enthusiasm.