CARY, N.C. (March 12, 2024) – The North Carolina Courage today announces the signing of all three members of the 2024 NWSL Draft class. Second round pick Talia Staude, third round pick Julia Dorsey, and fourth round pick Landy Mertz have all signed three-year contracts through the 2026 NWSL season.
“We are excited to have signed Talia, Julia and Landy and have them be a part of our club. They are all players who have come and put the work in to learn what it is to be a Courage player both inside and outside the lines. They have contributed greatly to our environment and will only continue to grow each day based on the standards set by our players and staff. We drafted each of them because we felt that, in time, they will fit into our system perfectly and are players who want to be challenged day in and day out.
“They have earned this moment and can now look forward to continued growth. We are really happy for them to begin their professional journey in a Courage kit and be a part of our club’s future,” said Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas
Staude, a defender, was the first selection for the Courage in the 2024 NWSL Draft (24th overall). She was a five-year starter for the Virginia Cavaliers, making 103 appearances and playing 8,794 minutes in her collegiate career, both of which rank as the second most in program history.
“This team has an exceptionally high standard day in and day out. We work for each other, and I am so grateful and excited to play alongside these amazing players the entire season,” said Staude.
Staude scored six goals and added seven assists for the Wahoos and has extensive Youth National Team experience from the U14 through U23 levels, serving as captain for the U17 FIFA World Cup squad. Staude’s contract will officially begin in June after finishing up academic requirements from her collegiate career.
Dorsey, another defender, was a third round (40th overall) selection after a stellar two-sport career for the University of North Carolina’s women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, helping the Tar Heels to the 2022 Women’s Lacrosse National Championship and an appearance in the 2022 Women’s College Cup Final. She played all 110 minutes of the National Championship match at WakeMed Soccer Park after scoring the winning goal in the national semifinal over Florida State.
“The speed of play and established culture of this team is amazing. The locker room has been nothing but welcoming and I am excited to start my career with this group of players,” Dorsey said.
The Baltimore native made 69 appearances for the Tar Heels, scored two goals and added two assists. Dorsey ended her collegiate career with over 5,200 minutes despite missing 2023 due to injury.
Mertz, a midfielder, was selected in the fourth round (52nd overall) following a standout career at the University of Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh native started her college career at Daytona before transferring to her hometown school. Mertz ended her time at Pitt on a high note, finishing the season ranked top-10 for assists per game (.58) and total assists in a season (14).
“My first impression of this team is there are a ton of hard workers here. The environment has been difficult and it has been a difficult adjustment, but it is good because every day we come in and we get better. Sean (Nahas) pushes us really hard, all of the coaches do, and most importantly our teammates are pushing us every day. That has been something really cool to see. Everybody makes each other better every day and it is awesome to be a part of,” Mertz said.
Mertz earned United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Third Team and All-ACC Third Team honors in 2023, ending her college career with 15 goals and 26 assists in 63 games.
ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE
The North Carolina Courage begin their eighth season of competition in 2024 since beginning play in the National Women’s Soccer League (USSF Division I) in 2017. The Courage were formed after Steve Malik purchased the Western New York Flash and relocated the franchise to Cary, North Carolina, and play their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Courage are the winningest club in NWSL history, claiming seven league trophies as three-time NWSL Shield winners (2017, 2018, 2019), two-time NWSL Champions (2018, 2019), and two-time UKG NWSL Challenge Cup champions (2022, 2023). The Courage also won the 2018 ICC Championship. Follow the Courage on the web at www.nccourage.com and on social media @TheNCCourage.
