CARY, N.C (Feb. 3, 2023) — When designing the 2023 away kit and finding a new front of jersey partner, a major opportunity emerged. Not just a look, but a new feel. The revamped feel of the North Carolina Courage is embodied by a new mural, “A New Era of Courage,” created by local artist Taylor White.

White, a visual arts specialist, got her start as an illustrator and storyboard artist after she attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2007. She then took her talents to Australia in the early 2010’s where she evolved into large-scale murals.

The mural, which White partially created live at the Courage x Merz Aesthetics kit reveal celebration earlier this week, will be placed along the walkway of the players’ entrance to the locker room all season at WakeMed Soccer Park this season. “One of my favorite quotes is that ‘Art gives people something they did not know was missing.’ We knew this was a moment in time for the NC Courage brand to evolve and change; so, we used the momentum of a new front of jersey partner, and the injection of art, to elevate that,” said Courage Creative Lead Morgan Lee. White was an ideal fit to bring the new era to life. She is a local, female artist whose work is present throughout the city of Raleigh. With the intention of being more present in the Triangle community this year, working with local artists like Taylor allows the brand to grow and connect with new audiences. “The piece takes its color palette from the Courage’s kits while the subject matter plays off of the Courage’s lioness logo, bringing together realism and graphic elements to convey the energy of the sport,” White said. “It’s always nice to be sought-after for unusual projects; I had a good time working in a digital medium with a hand-painted element. I hope the piece is exciting and inspiring for the players and fans.” Another element to the artistic infusion is the partnership with Merz Aesthetics, who expanded their partnership with the Courage to include their name on the front of the team jerseys this season. Merz Aesthetics and the Courage began working together under the theme “Confidence Meets Courage.” Two abstract attributes that are open to individual interpretation. White’s work is the embodiment of abstract elements intertwined with the human form. The lioness at the center of the mural represents the ferocity and passion Courage players have on and off the pitch. Anyone standing in front of this eight-foot piece will feel the confidence and courage emanating from the piece.