The North Carolina Courage are thrilled to welcome defender Charlotte McLean to the club. The 24-year-old center back signed a two-year contract through the 2025 NWSL season. She has an impressive resume in Australia’s A-League Women and will provide much-needed depth along the back line for the second half of the 2024 season and beyond. Get to know the newest member of the Courage:

Player of the Year

McLean was named the Sydney FC Player of the Year at their post-season awards ceremony last month. McLean played every single game at center back among a rotation of defenders around her for the 2023-24 season to lead the best defense in the A-League to 12 clean sheets and averaged less than a goal allowed per game.

A Packed Trophy Case

In addition to her Player of the Year award, McLean is a two-time A-League Women Team of the Season honoree. In four seasons with the Sky Blue, she helped the team capture three Premierships and two Championships. Sydney FC earned the clean sweep in 2022-23, winning both the premiership and championship. In all, McLean helped the Sky Blues lift five trophies in four seasons.

A Unique Path

McLean took a non-traditional path to Sydney FC, playing for the semi-professional Sydney Olympic prior. She was noticed by Ante Juric during an invitation training session and earned herself an ALW contract with the most prestigious club in the league. She’s spoken openly about the struggle with confidence and seeing herself as an underdog. That mentality and growth mindset will make her a tremendous fit in the culture of the Courage.