Veteran midfielder Meredith Speck wasn’t sure what would come next for her playing future after her North Carolina Courage contract expired at the end of 2025.
Though she ended up training with Gotham FC during the 2026 preseason, it did not result in a contract offer ahead of the NWSL season.
“I did actually get the opportunity to train with Gotham during their preseason,” Speck recalled during Thursday’s press conference. “They were missing a few players during a FIFA window, so that was back in February.”
While she waited for her next professional opportunity, Speck stayed sharp through individual training, playing co-ed pickup games alongside former Courage teammate Heather O’Reilly and participating in the May-June The Soccer Tournament (TST).
Speck Stayed Ready Despite Uncertainty About Her Future
“Obviously, at 33, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen,” Speck said during Thursday’s press conference.
“Heather O’Reilly was kind enough to train with me; I played a lot of pickup with her. They call it noon ball, which is like former male players that are in the [North Carolina] area, so that really is what kept me touching the ball.
“But a lot of it was honestly on my own, just kind of believing in myself and thinking that during this summer window, there would be an opportunity for me with some roster changes, so staying in shape and really preparing for whatever might happen.”
After Gotham defender Emily Sonnett was shut down for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, Speck received a surprise call from the defending NWSL champions.
Speck’s Preparation Pays Off With Gotham Opportunity
She began training with Gotham and eventually signed for the Bats on August 6 for the remainder of the season.
“When the opportunity with Gotham came to come train, I was grateful to feel pretty prepared and that I hadn’t necessarily been out of the game for too long,” she explained. “It’s been really amazing. I think it’s pretty unexpected. I don’t think it was necessarily something that I had planned on, but I’m so grateful that it happened.
“I think it has really been more fulfilling than I actually imagined it would be. The team has been great. The staff has been great. I’m so thankful to the organization.”
The Long Island native who made 100 appearances for the Courage and played a handful of games for the Western New York Flash prior to the latter folding will now have the opportunity to play for Gotham in front of family and friends at Harrison’s Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Speck’s Return to Sports Illustrated Stadium Comes Full Circle
South Ward Central asked Speck what it meant for her to return to Sports Illustrated Stadium as a member of Gotham after years of playing there as a visitor with the Courage.
“It really meant the world,” she replied. “I mean, it’s definitely every day I’m learning a little bit more about actually how much it means to me. It was definitely a different experience.”
The 33-year-old midfielder was named to the bench for last Friday’s 1-0 home victory over San Diego Wave FC, but she wasn’t called on to make a substitute appearance.
Previously, Speck scored her first career NWSL goal against Gotham on August 7, 2021, at Sports Illustrated Stadium to lift North Carolina to a 1-0 victory.
“I’ve definitely played at Sports Illustrated,” Speck remembered. “I’ve had a few good memories. I scored my first NWSL goal at Sports Illustrated against Gotham.”
Speck Could Make Her Gotham Debut Friday Against Kansas City
Now, Speck will have the chance to play in front of home supporters as well as plenty of family and friends when she takes the pitch for Gotham.
“It was really fun to experience it from the perspective of the atmosphere is for you instead of against you,” she said. “I really just have to honestly take a second to really appreciate how much being back around the game means to me and my family. They’re so excited. They were at the game; they’ll be at the game [Friday]. So it’s really been a wonderful experience.”
Speck could potentially make her Gotham debut when the first-place Bats host the Kansas City Current on Friday night.
Gotham and the Current are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The match will be broadcast on Prime Video.
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