Washington Spirit released their end-of-season roster late this evening, confirming that they have not waived any players under contract. However, seven players from the 2024 squad will become free agents and leave the team.

Anna Heilferty, Civana Kuhlmann, and Lena Silano all had option years that were not exercised, while Nicole Barnhart, Annaïg Butel, and Jenna Butler were under contracts that expire December 31. Waniya Hudson, whose contract is also expiring, is currently on loan with Dallas Trinity and could remain with them for a longer term. All are now able to negotiate with any team in the league for a roster spot.

One of the biggest losses from a fan perspective will be Anna Heilferty. Drafted in 2021 as a midfielder but converted to fullback before the 2022 season, Heilferty became a fan favorite through her positive attitude and work with the community. After an ACL injury kept her off the field in 2023, her return this year was highly-anticipated, including by teammates who praised her skills in training. But scarcely two matches into her return, Heilferty was injured again. Sadly, that seems to have been the end of her Spirit career.

Lena Silano’s contributions will also be missed. In her second year with Washington, Silano scored two goals and was a reliable substitute striker. Particularly in the latter half of the season, she was often called in to give Washington a new look on attack in the late game and to serve as a strong target for set pieces.

For more on the departing players, check out our previous article on free agents from the Spirit and look for more post-season content soon.

The remaining players on the roster will now have guaranteed contracts under the terms of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Until now, teams could choose to waive contracts, ending them early and sending players to the waiver wire.

Washington Spirit’s full roster list is below. With only 21 players, the team has room to add players in every other position group and should be looking for some depth in center back and defensive midfield positions in particular. If the 2024 summer window is any indication, some big new signings could be coming our way this offseason.

Goalkeepers (2): Lyza Bosselmann (SEI), Aubrey Kingsbury
Defenders (6): Gabby Carle (INTL), Casey Krueger, Tara McKeown, Paige Metayer, Esme Morgan (INTL), Kate Wiesner
Midfielders (6): Croix Bethune (SEI), Courtney Brown, Hal Hershfelt, Leicy Santos (INTL), Heather Stainbrook, Andi Sullivan (SEI)
Forwards (7): Ashley Hatch, Rosemonde Kouassi (INTL), Makenna Morris, Brittany Ratcliffe, Chloe Ricketts (U18), Trinity Rodman, Ouleye Sarr (INTL, SEI)

Departing players (7): Nicole Barnhart, Annaïg Butel, Jenna Butler, Anna Heilferty, Waniya Hudson, Civana Kuhlmann, Lena Silano