Narumi inks two-year deal plus 2027 option with Spirit in move from North Carolina
Washington, D.C. (12/17/2024) – The Washington Spirit has agreed to terms with free agent midfielder Narumi Miura on a two-year contract with a 2027 option, the club announced today. Narumi will occupy an international slot on the Spirit roster.
Narumi comes to DC after spending her first two seasons in the NWSL with the North Carolina Courage, where she helped lead the club to a 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup title and back-to-back playoff appearances. Across 61 total appearances and nearly 5,000 minutes of NWSL action, the Japanese national has tallied two goals and four assists. Prior to her move to the NWSL, Narumi began her professional career with Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in Japan’s top-flight WE League. In seven seasons, Narumi and the club won a staggering 13 trophies: four league titles, five Empress’s Cups, three WE League Cups and an Asian Football Confederation Women’s Club Championship.
“I am looking forward to a new journey with this team and to meeting the fans in DC,” said Narumi. “Let’s go Spirit!”
Originally from Kawasaki, south of Tokyo, Narumi has extensive experience with the Japan Women’s National Football Team. Since making her senior team debut in June 2018, she has competed for the side at two major tournaments: the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France and 2021 Summer Olympic Games hosted in Tokyo. Narumi has made over 30 appearances for Japan at the senior level.
“Narumi is an important signing for us this offseason,” said President of Soccer Operations/General Manager Mark Krikorian. “Her qualities in the midfield will provide an impact for next year’s team and we look forward to welcoming her to DC.”
The Spirit will take the field in 2025 looking to build on this year’s second place finish in the NWSL. Behind stellar performances from the side’s star players and rookie phenoms, the Spirit set new single season club marks on the pitch in wins (18, also a league record), points (56) and goals (51) in front of record attendances at Audi Field in 2024. Fans can secure their spot to see the Spirit in the team’s next match at Audi Field by becoming 2025 Season Ticket Members here.
About The Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. In 2024, the Spirit drafted an epic class of rookies who are already breaking records and wowing fans. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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