The end of an era always calls for nostalgia, respect, and reflection. Katelyn Rowland, a four-time NWSL champion and one of the most decorated goalkeepers in NWSL history, is hanging up her boots and retiring from professional soccer, leaving behind a legacy of titles, leadership, and consistency between the pipes. Four NWSL championships and nine trophies later throughout her ten-year professional career, her retirement marks a turning point for the league and for Bay FC, her final professional club.
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A steady and successful career
Rowland was a staple in championship-winning sides. From being picked 17th overall in the 2015 NWSL Draft by FC Kansas City to representing Western New York Flash, North Carolina Courage, and Kansas City Current.
At North Carolina Courage, she was a record-breaker. Between 2017 and 2019, Rowland established herself as a regular starter, with the club claiming back-to-back NWSL titles. In 2017, nine clean sheets in 18 matches helped carry the club to the league final. The next two seasons saw more titles, more crucial saves, and more awards.
A farewell filled with gratitude
Announcing her retirement, Rowland summed up her career in one word: gratitude. "It's hard to summarize my career in a few sentences, but two words come to mind: Thank you," she said. "Thank you to everyone who made this journey absolutely incredible—my teammates who became family, my Carolina coaches who were instrumental to my success, and every coach who helped along the way.". To my family, none of this would have been possible without you. Playing at home in the final year of my career was a dream come true; fans, you were unreal! Thank you, Bay Area. 27 years later, all I can say is: Thank you, soccer."
Rowland's impact was hailed by Bay FC sporting director Matt Potter, who talked of her worth on and off the field. "Katelyn Rowland has been a consummate professional throughout her career, bringing leadership, toughness, and a winning mentality to this club," Potter continued. "Although we will miss her presence on the field, we fully support her as she moves into this next chapter in her life. We have no doubt that she will continue to be successful in whatever she chooses to do next."
A goalkeeper who always made a difference
Rowland's journey extends beyond her professional career. Her success began at UCLA, where she helped the Bruins win their first-ever national title in program history in 2013. There, she was teammates with future Bay FC teammates Abby Dahlkemper and Caprice Dydasco. In 2014, she was named Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year, solidifying herself as one of the best of her generation.
At the national youth team level, Rowland impressed with the U.S. U-20 team, playing a key role in winning the 2014 Concacaf U-20 Championship and representing the U.S. at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup later in 2014 in Canada. Her performances were rewarded with the Concacaf Golden Glove award, showing her quality from an early stage of her career.
Bay FC's 2025 season preparations
As Bay FC prepares for the 2025 season, the club already has significant commitments on the schedule. The team will train in Santa Barbara and Indio, California, where they will have friendly matches against Seattle Reign FC and San Diego Wave FC. The regular season kicks off on March 16 against Utah Royals, with the home opener on March 22 against Racing Louisville FC.