KC Current add three college players

The Kansas City Current added more talented young players this week when they signed three college players, adding depth from front to back. Goalkeeper Clare Gagne, defender Katie Scott and forward Mary Long all signed through the 2025 season.

“We are excited to sign this talented group of athletes,” said General Manager Caitlin Carducci via press release. “These players could go anywhere in the world to compete, but they believe the Current provides the best opportunities to develop with the top resources and facilities available to help a player perform at an elite level. We know that they can help elevate the team’s performance.”

With the ending of the NWSL College draft, teams can target wich players they want and compete for them now. Gagne would normally been a high draft pick. Long and Scott both went to college early and were signed while they are still 17-years-old.

Clare Gagne

Gagne earned the 2024 NCAA College Cup Most Outstanding Defensive Player as she helped lead North Carolina to the NCAA National Championship. Gagne played at Brown University for three years before transferring to the University of North Carolina. After starting 23 games for Brown, she started all 27 games for the Tar Heels, including all six games in the NCAA tournament.

“I am beyond excited to be joining the Current for the 2025 season,” said Gagne. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in this world-class environment, surrounded by so many       talented individuals and wonderful fans. I can’t wait to contribute to the KC community this season and do all I can for this team on and off the field.”

Katie Scott

Katie Scott graduated high school early so she could start college at just 17. Scott represented her country at the U-15 and U-17 levels. She was teammates with Current forward Alex Pfeiffer when they won the 2024 U-17 Concacaf Championship. She was also on the U.S. 2024 U-17 Bronze Medal FIFA World Cup team with Mary Long. Scott helped Penn State to the quarterfinals of the NCAA College Cup. Scott scored a pair of goals in the College Cup, including the only goal against Clare Gagne.

“Signing with Kansas City Current is more than just joining a team – it’s becoming part of a culture built on excellence, high standards, and trust,” said Scott. “I am honored to contribute to a mindset that values growth, unity, and making a difference on and off the field. Beyond blessed and excited to be a part of this organization!”

Mary Long

Forward Mary Long, the daughter of Kansas City Current co-owners Angie and Chris Long is the third signing announced. Long committed to Duke University and attended at just 17-years-old. As a freshman at Duke this past year, she appeared in all 15 matches she was available, scoring three goals and an assist off the bench.

Mary Long also represented the United States at the 2024 U-17 World Cup. She played in all six matches for the U.S. with five starts, scoring a goal and an assist. Overall she has eight caps with the U.S. U-17s with three goals and two total assists.

Long is a native of the Kansas City area and spent a significant amount of time training with the Current’s first team over the past two seasons.

“This is the moment I’ve dreamed of for as long as I can remember,” said Long. “I am so grateful to Vlatko and the rest of the staff for believing in me over the last few years. The Current holds a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to represent my hometown as we pursue Championships.”

The Current roster and where these three fit in

“All three of these players have tremendous potential and have proven themselves to be incredible players,” said sporting director and head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “Clare, Mary and Katie will be able to step up the team’s internal competition and we look forward to seeing how they will develop and grow here in Kansas City.”

With the addition of these three players, the Kansas City Current now have 24 players under contract as the club prepares for the 2025 season.

It is hard to predict how much time any of these three will have, but Andonovski has shown that he is not afraid to play young players when they are ready. Claire Hutton started most of the matches she was available for and was a significant part of Kansas City’s success in 2024 at just 18-years-old. Alex Pfeiffer scored a goal in the season opener and made ten appearances before injury sidelined her for the rest of the season.

If Scott or Long is ready, they will see the field. It is far harder for keepers to get a few minutes for experience than field players and Gagne has two experienced talents ahead of her. Lauren won a Silver Medal at the 2024 Olympics for Brazil and Laurel Ivory has NWSL experience as her probable backup.

Scott has played across all three lines growing up but will primarily be an outside back for the Current. There is already good depth on the back line, so getting time will not be easy. She has shown an ability to get forward and score, making her a great resource off the bench for the Current.

Long has shown a knack for drifting into space near the box and creating scoring opportunities. With talented attackers around, she will have the opportunity to combine with other Current forwards. At the listed height of 5’ 10”, she is the second tallest field player after Kayla Sharples and might provide a good option for set pieces.

Goalkeepers (3) – Lorena, Laurel Ivory, Clare Gagne

Defenders (8) – Alana Cook, Regan Steigleder, Hailie Mace, Ellie Wheeler, Gabrielle Robinson (SEI), Kayla Sharples,  Katie Scott,  Izzy Rodriguez

Midfielders (7) – Debinha, Vanessa DiBernardo, Bayley Feist, Claire Hutton, Jereko, Lo’eau LaBonta, Rocky Rodríguez

Forwards (6) – Temwa Chawinga, Michelle Cooper,  Mary Long, Alex Pfeiffer (SEI), Nichelle Prince, Bia Zaneratto