PHOTO | NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE

Forward Lynn Williams, who helped the Western New York Flash/Carolina Courage to three NWSL championships, was traded to Kansas City for goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland, $200,000 in allocation money and the Current's natural first round pick in the 2023 draft.

The North Carolina Courage have swapped one key member of their championship past for another.

The team traded forward Lynn Williams to the Kansas City Current Monday in exchange for $200,000 in allocation money, the rights to goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland, and the Current’s natural first round pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, giving them three first-rounders next year.

The sixth overall draft pick by Western New York in 2015, Williams helped the Flash to their first NWSL title a year later as well as earning league MVP and the Golden Boot Award. Throughout her time with the franchise, which moved to North Carolina in 2017, Williams won two more championships, three NWSL Shields, and an ICC Championship title. 

Williams ended her Flash/Courage run with 48 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances. During the 2021 season, she became the league leader in assists, breaking a league record.

“Since coming to North Carolina, Lynn has represented the Courage jersey with the utmost respect and passion,” Courage coach Sean Nahas said in a statement. “She has given so much to this club, her teammates, the fans, and staff in helping to win titles. More importantly, she has always carried herself with class and she is someone I will truly miss having here.”

Said President and General Manager Curt Johnson: “Lynn has been such a massive part of our Courage history and we are so grateful for the significant impact she’s made on this club. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, as we will miss her presence on and off the field here.”

The trade brings Rowland back to the Courage after she was shipped to Kansas City last July. She logged four appearances and 360 minutes of playing time with the Current.

Rowland appeared in 30 matches for the Courage, where she won a pair of NWSL titles, three NWSL Shields, and a Women’s ICC championship title. Rowland, like Williams, started her career with the club in Western New York, making six appearances in net.

“This opportunity to return back to Carolina feels like I’m returning home,” Rowland said. “I know this year is going to look a lot different in many ways, but I am excited to be a part of the next chapter. I’m ready to put the crest on and eager to get back to work.”

The Courage are banking on Rowland’s familiarity with the organization and winning background helping the Courage transition as it stockpiles assets for the future.

“The opportunity to bring Katelyn back to North Carolina was one we didn't want to pass up,” Nahas said. “She will be a great addition back into our locker room, knowing our staff and many of our players. I know how much she grew both on and off the field here under the guidance of our goalkeeper coach, Nathan Thackeray. We are excited to welcome back someone with championship pedigree and a player who will be working each day to better herself for the team.”

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