By Lesley Ryder
Chicago Stars FC have finally signed a new defender. Kathrin Hendrich will join the team on a free transfer after the WEUROs tournament.
The 33 year-old defender is signed through 2026 with an option for 2027. Hendrich previously played for VfL Wolfsburg of the Frauen Bundesliga, and is a longtime-member of the German National team. She won a bronze medal in last summer’s Olympic games.
The Stars began the season with just four defenders on the roster because of a knee injury to Natalia Kuikka on international duty with Finland. They’ve been fortunate on two fronts: Center back Sam Staab made a remarkably fast recovery from her achilles injury, and the injury bug has spared the rest of the backline so far this season.
Kathrin Hendrich is a versatile defender and a strong passer. She’ll likely be an important connector for the Stars as they try to improve on their last-place campaign.