CARY, N.C. (March 12, 2024) – The North Carolina Courage today announces the signing of all three members of the 2024 NWSL Draft class. Second round pick Talia Staude, third round pick Julia Dorsey, and fourth round pick Landy Mertz have all signed three-year contracts through the 2026 NWSL season. 

“We are excited to have signed Talia, Julia and Landy and have them be a part of our club. They are all players who have come and put the work in to learn what it is to be a Courage player both inside and outside the lines. They have contributed greatly to our environment and will only continue to grow each day based on the standards set by our players and staff. We drafted each of them because we felt that, in time, they will fit into our system perfectly and are players who want to be challenged day in and day out.  

“They have earned this moment and can now look forward to continued growth. We are really happy for them to begin their professional journey in a Courage kit and be a part of our club’s future,” said Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas 

Mertz, a midfielder, was selected in the fourth round (52nd overall) following a standout career at the University of Pittsburgh.  The Pittsburgh native started her college career at Daytona before transferring to her hometown school. Mertz ended her time at Pitt on a high note, finishing the season ranked top-10 for assists per game (.58) and total assists in a season (14).  

“My first impression of this team is there are a ton of hard workers here. The environment has been difficult and it has been a difficult adjustment, but it is good because every day we come in and we get better. Sean (Nahas) pushes us really hard, all of the coaches do, and most importantly our teammates are pushing us every day. That has been something really cool to see. Everybody makes each other better every day and it is awesome to be a part of,” Mertz said. 

Mertz earned United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Third Team and All-ACC Third Team honors in 2023, ending her college career with 15 goals and 26 assists in 63 games.