By Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Cary, N.C. — The North Carolina Courage acquired rookie defender Maycee Bell via trade from NJ/NY Gotham FC, the teams announced Wednesday.

In exchange for Bell, Gotham FC receives $80,000 in allocation money and $10,000 in intra-league transfer funds.

Bell, 23, signed a guaranteed contract through the 2026 season in February.

Gotham FC drafted Bell with the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft after her career at the University of North Carolina.

“I’m extremely excited to be back in a familiar area with familiar people,” Bell said in a news release. “Having lived in this area throughout college, it’s nice to be back home.

“I am thankful that the Courage made this possible and I look forward to working hard to bring value to this great organization.”

Bell made her professional debut as a substitute in the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup. She’s made eight regular-season appearances as a rookie, playing 289 minutes. She’s scored one goal, won nine tackles and 25 duels.

“We are really excited for Maycee to join our team and club,” said Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas. “She’s had valuable pro experience this year and knows how our staff and club operate.

“I was fortunate to work with her in our academy and she trained with us during her time at UNC. I know she is eager to get here and be a part of our environment. She’s extremely athletic and has continuously developed over the years in all phases of the game. She is entering a familiar environment, which is extremely important and will work – as all our players do – to improve every day.”

Bell’s first professional goal was a 99th-minute, game-winner against the San Diego Wave.

In five seasons at UNC, Bell made 107 appearances, playing 7,646 minutes and scoring nine goals, while adding five assists. The Wichita, Kansas, native was a co-captain of the team in her redshirt senior season and was named Second Team All-American, two-time First Team All-ACC, Second Team All-ACC, ACC All-Freshman Team and ACC Freshman of the Year throughout her college career.

Source: wralsportsfan.com