Merritt Mathias Signs Extension with NC Courage

CARY, NC (August 19, 2022) – The North Carolina Courage today announced the club has re-signed defender Merritt Mathias to an extension through 2023 with an option for 2024.

“I am incredibly thankful to the Courage organization,” Mathias said. “It’s one that I’m not only excited about but very, very proud of — it is the first contract that I’ve signed in my professional career that feels like my body of work is valued and recognized. That’s a satisfying feeling after 10 years in the NWSL. I look forward to calling NC home for a couple more years. Thank you to everyone that has been a part of this journey to get here, I am so very grateful.” The Birmingham, AL native has recorded 181 career NWSL appearances, 76 of those being with the Courage. This season, Mathias has appeared in nine matches for a total of 705 minutes played, collecting 13 clearances, four blocks, and four interceptions while maintaining a 74.5% passing success rate. “Merritt has been an integral part of our team for years and having her with us moving forward is something we wanted to get done,” Head Coach Sean Nahas said. “Her experience will be invaluable for our younger players and helps us continue to move forward as a club to get back to where we want to be.” Joining the Courage in a trade with the OL (then Seattle) Reign in 2018, Mathias has won back-to-back NWSL Championship titles with the North Carolina side in 2018 and 2019, two NWSL Shields, and most recently, the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. The 32-year-old also boasts international playing experience, registering her first cap with the US Women’s National team in 2018 and later winning a Tournament of Nations title with the squad. Mathias is one of just a handful of active players to have appeared in each of the 10 NWSL seasons, beginning her career with FC Kansas City. Selected 22nd overall in the 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft, Mathias won her first NWSL Championship title with Kansas City in 2014. She was also part of the Seattle Reign’s 2015 NWSL Shield-winning season. The Courage return to action this Saturday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. ET against the Chicago Red Stars. Tickets can be purchased here and the match will be streamed live on Twitch (globally).