BOYDS, MD (Oct. 28, 2016) – The Washington Spirit has signed defender Whitney Church to a new contract for the 2017 NWSL season. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In 2016, the 23 year old played in 11 regular season matches, seven starts, plus all 120+ minutes of both post season matches.

“We are very happy to have Whit re-sign with the Spirit,” said general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra. “She made the most of her opportunities this past season, and we look forward to having her quality defending back with the club in 2017.”

The Spirit selected the Ashburn, Va native and Penn State alum as the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NWSL College Draft. During her two seasons with the team, Church has started 25 of the 30 matches she has appeared in and logged 2,304 minutes.

Full Name: Whitney Church

Position: Defender

Hometown: Ashburn, VA

Birthdate: 4/30/1993

Age: 23

Height: 5’ 5”

Transaction: Washington Spirit signs Whitney Church to new contract on October 28, 2016.