Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce that American attacker Katie Stengel will return to the club for the upcoming Westfield W-League 2018/19 season.
The centre-forward played a key role in the club’s first semi-final appearance in almost ten years last season, playing in all 13 matches for the Jets.
Stengel led the goal scoring charts for the Jets last season with ten goals in 13 games – a haul which ranked her second overall in the league.
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The 26-year-old has called the Western United States home in the NWSL this season, scoring six goals in 23 matches for the Utah Royals.
In just her first season with the Club, Stengel shot to third on the all-time goal-scoring ranks in Newcastle.
A similar haul this time around would likely take the American past second place on that list, Emily van Egmond, who is currently on 16 goals.
Jets W-League Head Coach, Craig Deans was delighted to welcome an important piece of the puzzle back to Newcastle for the upcoming season.
“Katie was key to our success last year, and she performed consistently at a high level in every single match for us,” Deans said.
“She’s been performing well over in the NWSL and I’ve been keeping a close eye on her, she’s back in Australia in good nick and I’m confident she can replicate last season’s efforts.
“Those ten goals last season were crucial to our success and a big part of the reason we made the Semi Final last year. She’s one of our most important inclusions in 2018/19.”
Katie Stengel said she was excited to be returning to Newcastle for another year.
“This’ll be my third season in Australia and my second with the Jets, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead,” Stengel said.
“The weather down here is beautiful and the way it works out with the American season, I get back-to-back summers.
“Taylor [Smith] is a good friend of mine too, and it’s fantastic to have her here with me in Newcastle – I’ve got a good feeling about this year.”
