Metuchen, NJ – The 2019 UWS Player of the Year, Kate Howarth, has signed a professional contract with Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Earlier this year, two other UWS standouts were drafted by the Pride, including Taylor Kornieck and Abi Kim who were 2019 UWS National Champions.
Howarth, who played collegiately for the University of Miami (2009-2012) is the all-time leading scorer for the New England Mutiny of United Women’s Soccer (UWS). This will be the second go-around in NWSL for Howarth after having been discovered off the New England Mutiny roster in 2012 by the Boston Breakers. Howarth returned to the Mutiny in 2014 where she would be a fixture at the forward position for the next six years for the Massachusetts-based club. She tallied a club record 69 goals for the Mutiny. Along with her 17 career assists, Howarth also tops the list at 155 points scored for the New England franchise that was established in 1999.
“I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today if I had not been asked to play for the New England Mutiny. I would not have been given a chance with the Boston Breakers and would not have been able to develop as a player to get to this point. Joe (Ferrara, Mutiny team owner) has created a competitive environment that has drawn high level players across New England year after year,” stated Howarth.
At age 29, a professional career for Howarth in the NWSL seemed a longshot, but the Michigan native amassed a stellar campaign last season in UWS that could not be overlooked by NWSL scouts as she was invited to pre-season camp by five NWSL teams before settling in Orlando. Howarth finished the season with 20 goals scored and 4 assists.
“What made Kate’s season extraordinary was that she scored in every UWS regular season game and both playoff games. Whatever metrics an organization uses to evaluate a player they can toss those out the window when someone can produce like that against high quality competition. Kudos to Orlando for signing Kate as they will find her passion and work ethic contagious,” stated UWS League Commissioner Joe Ferrara.
Howarth was selected to the UWS Team of the Week on five occasions in 2019 and currently stands as the only player in UWS to top 100 points scored.
“UWS gave me a place to develop, learn, and become the player I am today. The league gave me the opportunity to play with so many high-level players throughout the years, all of which taught me things that I have taken with me. Above anything, I think it gave me the chance to learn how to be a leader and instilled the confidence I needed to walk out with my new teammates today,” added Howarth.
Orlando Pride will make their Fall Series debut on September 19th against the NC Courage. View the full schedule HERE.
