Written by Louis Fernandez, WRAL Sports Reporter

Feli Rauch, a star player for the German national team, has recently arrived in North Carolina and is quickly adjusting to her new surroundings.

Rauch mentioned having heard about the variety of landscapes, including mountains and beaches, and expressed feeling comfortable in such a diverse environment.

This is the fullback’s debut in this region of the United States, having previously played for Wolfsburg in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The North Carolina Courage obtained her through a transfer in January and she has signed a two-year contract that guarantees her position until the 2025 NWSL season.

At the age of 27, Rauch has represented the German senior national team in 36 games, including the 2022 Euros and the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She has scored four goals during her time at the international level. Rauch is also a seasoned player at the club level, with over 80 appearances for Wolfsburg, where she has scored eight goals and contributed 20 assists. Despite playing in various countries for the national team, this will be her first time in North Carolina.

Rauch is the inaugural player from Germany to join the Courage in the team’s history. This marks the 16th unique country affiliation for the club.

Rauch stated that while in Germany, they realized the need for change and have decided to step out of their comfort zone in order to progress and grow.

Rauch expressed how the club actively pursued her and displayed genuine interest, which greatly impacted her. She had her initial encounter with head coach Sean Nahas through a video call, during which they engaged in a two-hour conversation discussing charts and the future direction of the club.

Rauch expressed his admiration for their clear direction and determination to achieve their goals. He felt valued and grateful, but also wanted to reciprocate the appreciation.

What does Rauch contribute to the Courage? Not only her talent, but also her experience playing in significant moments in Europe.

Soccer is highly advanced in Europe, and we were accustomed to playing in front of large crowds of around 60,000 people. This has been a great learning experience for me. I hope to bring that same mentality here and always stay focused, no matter what distractions may arise. My goal is to have a good time with my teammates and achieve success.

Rauch explains that she relates to the way the Courage team plays and how they influence others. She can play a key role, but she won’t be the sole educator.

Take advice from the girls, as I am new to this league and excited to gain my first experiences.

The season opener will take place on March 16 at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Houston Dash.

Source: wralsportsfan.com