Oct 4, 2025; Cary, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Courage defender Kaleigh Kurtz (3) kicks the ball during the second half of the game against Racing Louisville at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Ahead of the Denver Summit’s inaugural season, the club announced on Thursday that they have signed NWSL mainstay Kaleigh Kurtz through the 2028 season. Kurtz, who has played every minute since June 26, 2021 (114 games and 10,222 minutes), announced on Wednesday that she would not resign with the North Carolina Courage, where she has spent the last four seasons.
Kurtz, a center back, has accumulated statistics during her NWSL career that are hard to believe. In addition to her consecutive appearances, she set the NWSL record for consecutive starts (107) in September of this year. She also holds the record for the most NWSL iron woman seasons, with four. With the Courage, she has lifted the NWSL trophy and shield twice, in 2018 and 2019, and also won the Challenge Cup in 2022 and 2023. She has also been named to the NWSL Best IX First Team (2024) and the NWSL Best IX Second Team (2023).
In a statement from her new club, Curt Johnson, the general manager of Denver FC, praised her talent, leadership and experience. “Having a player of Kaleigh’s caliber join our roster is a game-changer,” Johnson said. “Her ironwoman streak, leadership, and championship pedigree bring a level of professionalism and experience that will anchor our defense and inspire our entire squad. We’re thrilled to welcome her to Denver.”
Kurtz also expressed excitement and gratitude in the same statement. “Joining Denver Summit FC for its first season is an incredible opportunity,” she said. “This club’s vision, energy, and commitment to excellence really stood out to me. I’m excited to help build a winning culture, compete at the highest level, and contribute every day on and off the field.”
Before her tenure in the NWSL, Kurtz played for Swedish club Östersunds DFF and also spent a season on loan to Canberra United, where she won the 2019/2020 Canberra United Player of the Year award. She played one season of NCAA soccer with the University of Richmond (2013) before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where she played three seasons (2014-2016) and received the SEC Defender of the Year award (2016).
