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After the NWSL Draft last week, Seattle Reign FC coach Laura Harvey signaled that the team would have international signing news within the week. That news came today, with Reign FC announcing the signing of New Zealand international Rebekah Stott, pending receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.
With the signing, Stott takes up the fourth of Seattle’s five international roster spots — the others belonging to Rachel Corsie, Naho Kawasumi, and Rumi Utsugi.
Stott, 23, currently plays alongside Jessica Fishlock, Lauren Barnes, and Beverly Yanez for Melbourne City FC in Australia’s W-League, where she primarily lines up as either right back or centerback alongside Laura Alleway, who plays for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL.
Stott has completed 502 passes in 10 matches for City this season, and averages five clearances per game. The versatile defender also played a key role for City in 2015, appearing at fullback and centerback across 13 competitions. Last year’s City squad conceded just five goals en route to the W-League Championship.
“Rebekah has experience playing in multiple positions, which is something that we need across the backline,” said Laura Harvey. “Obviously she’s now had a bit of a relationship with Lu [Barnes] out in Australia, so I think that will help her fit in real quick.”
After representing Australia at the U-17 and U-20 level, Stott chose to represent her birth country, New Zealand, at the senior level. She made her senior debut as a substitute in a 3–1 win over China in 2012.
Stott featured in all three matches for New Zealand in the 2015 Women’s World Cup — scoring a goal in a 2-2 draw with China. She also reached her 50th international appearance at the Olympic Games in Rio, and was on the squad for the 2012 London Olympics, but did not enter a match.
In addition to her time with Melbourne City, Stott played for the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory of the W-League, and spent time playing in Germany’s Bundesliga, suiting up for SC Sand.
While its unclear where Stott might line up for Seattle this season, her versatility gives Laura Harvey a lot of options. That can only be a good thing for an evolving Reign FC squad that lost Kim Little, Keelin Winters, Kendall Fletcher, Manon Melis, and possibly Hope Solo after the 2016 season.