Durham Reporter

The North Carolina Courage have announced the signing of defender Charlotte McLean. The 24-year-old center back has agreed to a two-year contract, extending through the 2025 NWSL season. McLean brings experience from Australia’s A-League Women and is expected to bolster the team's defense for the remainder of the 2024 season and beyond.

McLean was recently honored as Sydney FC's Player of the Year at their post-season awards ceremony. During the 2023-24 season, she played every game at center back, contributing to a defense that recorded 12 clean sheets and allowed less than a goal per game on average.

In addition to her Player of the Year accolade, McLean has been named to the A-League Women Team of the Season twice. Over four seasons with Sydney FC, she helped secure three Premierships and two Championships. Notably, Sydney FC achieved a clean sweep in the 2022-23 season by winning both titles.

McLean's journey to professional soccer was unconventional. She played for semi-professional team Sydney Olympic before being noticed by Ante Juric during an invitation training session, which led to her signing with Sydney FC. McLean has openly discussed her struggles with confidence and perceiving herself as an underdog—a mindset that aligns well with the culture of North Carolina Courage.