Continuing to build out its roster for the NWSL regular season, Racing Louisville FC has agreed to a paid transfer for Birmingham City FC defender Rebecca Holloway, the club announced Thursday.
Racing had previously claimed Holloway’s NWSL playing rights by adding her to its discovery list. She signed a two-year deal with the club and will arrive to Louisville upon receipt of her work visa.
“Rebecca is a physical, strong and hard-working player,” said Racing head coach Kim Björkegren. “She is good one-on-one in defense. Her left foot will help us in the buildup but also for crosses in the final third.”
Holloway, a left-footed left back, joined Birmingham City in the summer of 2019, making more than 50 FA WSL appearances at outside back. This season, she has gone the full 90 minutes for all but two matches.
“Playing in the NWSL has always been an ambition of mine, and to now say that I will be a Racing Louisville player seems surreal,” Holloway said. “I’m excited to get going and contribute as much as I can to the team for the remainder of the Challenge Cup and the regular season.”
A 26-year-old Nailsea, England, native, Holloway honed her craft in the Bristol City Academy before attending Cumberland University, an NAIA Program in Lebanon, Tenn.
With the Phoenix, Holloway was named back-to-back Mid-South Conference Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018 before joining the Nashville Rhythm, a WPSL club, in 2019.
On the international level, Holloway represents Northern Ireland, with seven caps for the Green and White Army. In 2023 World Cup qualifying, she has logged three goals and three assists as Northern Ireland attempts to make the tournament for the first time.
Awaiting Holloway’s arrival, Racing is in the midst of the NWSL Challenge Cup before opening the regular season on April 30 at the Chicago Red Stars.
