WakeMed Soccer Park | North Carolina Courage
WakeMed Soccer Park | North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage has announced the appointment of Katelyn Rowland as an assistant goalkeeping coach. Rowland, a notable figure in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), spent eight seasons playing professionally, with six of those at the Courage. She joins Nathan Thackeray's coaching staff following her retirement from professional soccer in February.
Rowland played 50 matches for the Courage between 2017 and 2023, during which she contributed to the team's success, including winning two NWSL Shields in 2017 and 2018. Her career includes participation in all eight trophies won by the club, such as three Shields, two NWSL Championships, and consecutive Challenge Cup titles in 2022 and 2023. She also secured NWSL Championships with FC Kansas City in 2015 and Western New York Flash in 2016.
In her new role, Rowland will work with a goalkeeper group that features USWNT regular Casey Murphy, Marisa Bova, and Hensley Hancuff—all former teammates from her final season with the Courage. Additionally, she will join the NCFC Youth goalkeeping coaching staff.
Rowland expressed enthusiasm about returning to a familiar environment: “It’s an honor to return here. 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.”
Nathan Thackeray welcomed Rowland back: “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 these sentiments: “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 before being drafted by Kansas City. Most recently, Bay FC selected her during the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft ahead of their inaugural season.
The Courage is preparing for their regular season opener against Racing Louisville on March 15 at 5 p.m. ET on NWSL+.
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