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USWNT Defender Tara Rudd Commits to Washington Spirit with Contract Extension Through 2028
Reigning NWSL Defender of the Year signs long-term deal as club strengthens core ahead of 2026 season
Tara Rudd, a standout defender for both the United States Women’s National Team and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit, has agreed a new contract with the club that will keep her in Washington, D.C. through 2028, with additional club options extending to 2029 and 2030. The deal, announced by the Spirit on February 17, marks a major commitment by one of the league’s premier defenders and aligns with the club’s long-term competitive ambitions.
Rudd, 26, who previously played under her maiden name Tara McKeown, has been instrumental in the Spirit’s recent successes.
She was honoured as the 2025 NWSL Defender of the Year and earned "Iron Woman" status in 2024 by playing every minute of the regular season.
A key figure in the club’s back line, Rudd has also emerged as a reliable presence for the U.S. national team, earning double-digit senior caps since breaking into the squad in early 2025.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the extension, Rudd emphasised her strong connection to the Washington community and her desire to continue competing at the highest levels with the Spirit.
"I'm beyond excited to continue my journey with the Washington Spirit," she said, adding that the club’s belief in her from the start has been central to her development.
"D.C. has become my home and there's no place I'd rather be," she said.
Haley Carter, the Spirit’s President of Soccer Operations, described Rudd as a cornerstone of the team’s identity and future plans.
Carter highlighted Rudd’s rapid rise into one of the league’s top defenders and praised her consistency, leadership and impact on and off the field.
The extension is viewed as a key piece in the Spirit’s strategy to build sustained success as they enter the 2026 campaign.
Internationally, Rudd’s national team contributions have increased as well; she has been regularly called up to U.S. camps and featured in matches since 2025, helping solidify her reputation as a defender with both club and country.
Her extension with the Spirit signals stability in a league that continues to grow its profile and talent base, even as the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares for major competitions over the next cycle.
By securing Rudd’s long-term services, the Washington Spirit have underscored their commitment to retaining elite talent and competing at the front of the NWSL, as well as contributing key players to the national team pathway.
Rudd, 26, who previously played under her maiden name Tara McKeown, has been instrumental in the Spirit’s recent successes.
She was honoured as the 2025 NWSL Defender of the Year and earned "Iron Woman" status in 2024 by playing every minute of the regular season.
A key figure in the club’s back line, Rudd has also emerged as a reliable presence for the U.S. national team, earning double-digit senior caps since breaking into the squad in early 2025.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the extension, Rudd emphasised her strong connection to the Washington community and her desire to continue competing at the highest levels with the Spirit.
"I'm beyond excited to continue my journey with the Washington Spirit," she said, adding that the club’s belief in her from the start has been central to her development.
"D.C. has become my home and there's no place I'd rather be," she said.
Haley Carter, the Spirit’s President of Soccer Operations, described Rudd as a cornerstone of the team’s identity and future plans.
Carter highlighted Rudd’s rapid rise into one of the league’s top defenders and praised her consistency, leadership and impact on and off the field.
The extension is viewed as a key piece in the Spirit’s strategy to build sustained success as they enter the 2026 campaign.
Internationally, Rudd’s national team contributions have increased as well; she has been regularly called up to U.S. camps and featured in matches since 2025, helping solidify her reputation as a defender with both club and country.
Her extension with the Spirit signals stability in a league that continues to grow its profile and talent base, even as the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares for major competitions over the next cycle.
By securing Rudd’s long-term services, the Washington Spirit have underscored their commitment to retaining elite talent and competing at the front of the NWSL, as well as contributing key players to the national team pathway.
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