Gotham FC swooped in to sign free agent midfielder Tess Boade one day after the 27-year-old had agreed to a mutual contract termination with Bay FC.
Boade joins Gotham FC for the remainder of the 2026 season after stints with the North Carolina Courage and Bay FC, as well as a brief spell with the Western Sydney Wanderers of Australia’s A-League Women.
Originally drafted by Gotham FC in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Boade opted to return to Duke University for an additional season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 5-foot-4 midfielder is excited for her opportunity to join the defending NWSL champions where she’ll be reunited with former Courage teammates Meredith Speck and Denise O’Sullivan.
Boade Describes Joining Gotham as an ‘Exciting Full-Circle Moment’
“Returning to the club that first drafted me is an exciting full-circle moment,” Boade said on Thursday. “I’ve long admired Gotham FC for their play style, professionalism and commitment to winning. I’m eager and excited for what the rest of this season will bring.”
Boade will wear the No. 28 shirt, which was most recently worn by forward Katie Lampson, who retired on June 30.
Gotham FC president of soccer operations, Yael Averbuch West, is pleased to add Boade to an already experienced roster.
“Tess brings NWSL experience and a strong understanding of what it takes to compete in this league,” Averbuch West said. “We’re happy to welcome her to Gotham and look forward to having her join the group.”
Boade has made 63 career NWSL regular-season appearances since her 2022 debut with the Courage. She played a part in helping North Carolina win back-to-back NWSL Challenge Cups in 2022 and 2023.
Gotham will next face Angel City FC on Sunday, August 23, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The match will be carried by ION.
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