Adelaide United have further bolstered their stocks ahead of the 2023/24 Liberty A-League season, signing Americans, Jenna Holtz and Mariah Lee.
The Washington natives grew up playing together at Washington Premier F.C. and then battled against each other at two of the top universities in the American college system, Holtz for Santa Clara University and Lee for Stanford University.
Holtz arrives from Cacereño Femenino in Spain’s Segunda Federación, where she helped her team quality for the play-offs, falling just shy of promotion.
She has previous proven leadership qualities, captaining the Seattle Sounders to their first Regional Championship and WPSL National Championship in 2018 after an undefeated season and had a stint with Valadares Gaia F.C. Futebol Feminino in Portugal.
The 27-year-old is an adaptable defender, able to play in any position across the backline and also in central midfield.
Lee is a strong forward who joins the squad with a plethora of international experience, recently spending the pre-season with OL Reign of the NWSL and prior to that played for Sporting Huelva of Spain’s Primera Division.
Notably, Lee scored 6 goals in 11 appearances for Celtic FC Women in 2021, including one of Celtic’s most important goals as a professional Club.
Her winning strike against Rangers catapulted the Ghirls past their rivals in the hunt for Champions League football, endearing herself to the devoted Celtic faithful.
Known to be a positive dressing room influence, the 27-year-old provides the Reds with yet another option in front of goal this season.
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta is delighted with the new additions.
“We welcome Jenna and Mariah to Australia and know they will fit in seamlessly here, as so many of our College affiliated players do,” he said.
“They have played throughout the world in different conditions and in front of passionate crowds, so we expect them to thrive in our fantastic environment here in Adelaide and across the A-Leagues.
“It takes a squad to win a Championship which remains our goal, and we believe Jenna and Mariah boost our depth immensely.”
United will launch its Liberty A-League 2023/24 season against Canberra United FC at Coopers Stadium on 15 October.
