PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC has announced the signing of the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Olivia Wade-Katoa, to a two year contract with a mutual third-year option.
“Olivia has been a wonderful addition to our club, she has seamlessly fit into our culture and is overjoyed to be a part of the Thorns. Already, Olivia has impressed, showing the technique and skill that led to us drafting her, and we look forward to seeing what she will become in the next few years as a Portland Thorn,” General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc said.
Wade-Katoa, 24, joins Portland after a historic five-year career at Brigham Young University, where she recorded 25 goals and 20 assists in 120 matches, helping lead the team to two NCAA Final Four appearances in 2021 and 2023. This past year, Wade-Katoa logged nearly 2,000 minutes, finishing the year with 12 goals and eight assists, the second-most in each category. Additionally, in her final year as a Cougar, Wade-Katoa was named a third-team All-American.
“We are really excited to add Olivia to our roster. Her focus and desire to compete is balanced with a wonderful personality and energy which has been a great addition to our roster,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “She is a very dynamic midfielder, in and out of possession, and has an eye for goal. We are excited to see her flourish in the Thorns jersey.”
Wade-Katoa recently recorded her first professional goal, netting the game winner in the team’s preseason match against San Diego Wave FC as part of the Coachella Valley Invitational.
The Thorns will begin the National Women’s Soccer League regular season on March 16 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium before returning to Providence Park on March 24 for the home opener against NJ/NY Gotham FC, tickets for which are on sale now.
