The North Carolina Courage added their second New Zealand international player to the roster on Friday. The club announced the signing of defender Katie Bowen to a single-year contract with an option to renew for the 2023 NWSL season.
Internationals on the Courage Roster
Like the Courage’s New Zealand captain, Abby Erceg, Bowen has a United States Green Card, meaning she does not fill one of four allowed international slots. As of the publishing of this article, those spots for the Courage are reserved for Irish national Denise O’Sullivan, Brazillian nationals Debinha and Kerolin, leaving a possible fourth international roster spot up for grabs.
Bowen’s NWSL History
In 2016, Bown was selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NWSL Draft, starting her NWSL caps with FC Kansas City. She played two years with FC Kansas City with a total of 34 appearances and a pair of goals. But Bown has local ties as well. Prior to beginning her professional soccer career, Bowen attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was listed as a midfielder. The Auckland, New Zealand native helped the Tar Heels win a national championship in 2012.
I’m so excited to join the Courage and bring home the 2022 championship
Bowen noted that her United states career started in North Carolina a decade ago, with a dream to get back here at some point.
“I’m so excited to join the Courage and bring home the 2022 championship,” Bowen said.
International Experience
Bowen also brings a good resumé of international experience to her new North Carolina club team, being a former member of New Zealand’s U-17 and U-20 national teams from 2008 to 2014. She received her first call up to New Zealand’s senior national team in 2011, debuting against Australia in May 2011. Her New Zealand senior national teams appearances now total 59 appearances, including three World Cups and two Olympic Games, with her most recent appearance being a friendly match on November 30, 2021, against South Korea.
Head Coach Sean Nahas on Bowen
“We are thrilled to add someone of Katie’s experience,” said Head Coach Sean Nahas.
Nahas said that Bowen is a versatile player, with a lot to offer the Courage’s training and competitive environment.
“She brings a great energy and passion to the game, which is something I know our players can and will feed off of. When I spoke to Katie on the phone, I could sense the excitement for her to come to North Carolina, a place where she went to college, and now a place she can call home in her professional career.”
🚨SIGNING NEWS🚨
New Zealander Katie Bowen has joined the 2022 roster!
Welcome, @Kati3bowen 👏
📰: https://t.co/1UmHPIAR2x pic.twitter.com/BJ9o5ZLlm8
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) January 21, 2022
