Orlando Pride acquired Australian defender Alanna Kennedy from the North Carolina courage on January 19th. Learn about the Pride's player member below.
She Started Her Professional Career At 16
Kennedy first appeared for her W-League club, Sydney FC, at the age of 16. That year, Sydney FC won the regular season title and appeared in the 2011 W-League Championship.
She Plays In Both The NWSL and The W-League
Kennedy started in the W-League at 16, and made her debut in the NWSL last season with the Western New York Flash. Kennedy has played for various teams in the W-League, including Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Perth Glory. Orlando Pride will be Kennedy’s second NWSL team. She currently plays for Sydney FC in the W-League.
She’s Won Championships In Both Leagues
Kennedy won the W-League Championship in the 2012-2013 season with Sydney FC and won the W-League Premiership (the regular season title) in 2011-2012 with Sydney FC and 2014-2015 with Perth Glory. She was also in the Western New York Flash squad that won the NWSL Championship this past year.
She’s Tall!
Kennedy is a 5’9 central defender. Her height can be incredibly helpful, especially when defending or scoring on set pieces. Kennedy’s height can be a huge advantage in tackling and blocking shots, and in winning battles that keep the ball moving forward.
She Plays For The Australian National Team
Kennedy comes to the Orlando Pride having played alongside Laura Alleway, Steph Catley, and Lisa de Vanna for years. Kennedy made her debut for the Matildas in 2012, and played for the national team while Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni was Head Coach. Kennedy was a part of the team’s Olympic run this year, which left them with a loss against the Brazilian team in the Quarterfinals. She’ll definitely fit in with the Australian contingency in Orlando.
