Inaugural Wellington Phoenix squad member Kate Taylor has informed the club she will not return for the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season.
Taylor has made 42 appearances for the Phoenix since the club’s introduction to the Liberty A-League in 2021-22 but will depart Wellington in pursuit of an opportunity overseas.
A Phoenix debutant at just 18 years of age, Taylor was named vice-captain for the club’s inaugural season and has been a key member of the squad ever since, playing her first two seasons in central defence before transitioning into a midfield role in 2023-24.
Taylor captained New Zealand through the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign in Costa Rica and went on to debut for the senior international side during her time at the Phoenix.
2024-25 TRANSFER CENTRE: Your club’s ins & outs
The club confirmed Taylor’s exit and plans to pursue an opportunity abroad as well as the exit of fellow foundation squad member Kelli Brown, who signed for the club in 2021-22 and returned for the 2023-24 season after not receiving a contract for Wellington’s second Liberty A-League campaign.
Brown made eight appearances (one start) for the Phoenix in her second stint at the club.
But along with the two departures confirmed on Monday, June 10, Wellington announced centre-back Marisa van der Meer had re-signed with the club for the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season.
The 22-year-old has been sidelined since December with an ACL injury suffered on international duty with the Football Ferns.
“It’s been a long rehab so I’ve been thinking about what I want to do and obviously football is something I love to do,” Van der Meer said. “I want to get back on the pitch and I want to keep playing.
“I started my rehab at the Phoenix, and I want to continue it with the club.
“I’m excited to see the team again and see who’s joining and who’s staying.”
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple added: “Marisa is a great person within our squad. She brings significant value to the team and I’m excited to see her playing again on return from her injury.
“Her partnership with Mack (Mackenzie Barry) was a big reason why our start to the season was so strong and we missed her a lot for the rest of the campaign.
“So I’m very happy Marisa’s returning and I can’t wait to get back to work with her on the training pitch.”
