San Diego Wave announced the acquisition of Brooklyn Courtnall on loan from Bay FC through the end of the 2026 season.
“We’re excited to welcome [Courtnall] to San Diego,” said Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. “She is a talented young defender with strong defensive instincts and versatility who will strengthen our backline and add valuable depth to our group this season. Brooklyn has demonstrated her ability early in her professional career, at both the club and international
levels, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact she will make for this club.”
Courtnall plays primarily in the center-back role, a position the Wave lacked depth in following the season-ending knee injury to Trinity Armstrong and the departure of Colombian center-back Daniela Arias.
The defender began her NWSL career in 2025 with the North Carolina Courage making nine appearances before being loaned to Bay FC in August for the remainder of the season. Bay FC then made the acquisition permanent sending $100,000 in intraleague transfer funds to the Courage and signed Courtnall to a new three-year contract.
In 2026, the 23-year-old defender made 11 appearances and started seven matches for Bay FC and is still expected to be a part of Bay’s “long-term plans,” according to Head Coach Emma Coates. Courtnall likely would have fallen down the depth chart with Bay considering the return of former Wave captain, Abby Dahlkemper from maternity leave on Wednesday.
Courtnall was grew up in Southern California in Los Angeles and played collegiately for the University of Southern California as a four-year starter. In her senior season she earned first team All-American honors won the Big 10 regular season championship and a quarter-final appearance in the NCAA tournament. She has also played for Canada at various youth levels and made her senior national team debut in February in the She Believes Cup helping the team earn a silver medal.
The Wave play Bay FC once more in 2026 on the final match day of the season, and play their next match on the road on Sunday, August 2, against the Washington Spirit.
