Sunderland defender Brianna Westrup has signed a professional contract with the club ahead of the new season.
The Lady Black Cats announced the news via a post on their official club Twitter account earlier today.
The 26-year-old centre-back joined Sunderland from Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 club Rangers last summer and she enjoyed a hugely impressive first season on Wearside. Westrup made 19 appearances for The Lady Black Cats in the Barclays Women’s Championship while she scored two goals. The defender led by example at the back with her excellent reading of the game and physicality, making her a tough proposition for opposition attackers.
Westrup’s contract extension has seen history made at Sunderland. The defender has become the first player to agree professional terms with the club. Sunderland recently announced the news that they will operate a hybrid model this season, offering both part-time and full-time opportunities to players. Westrup is the first player to sign for the club on a professional basis. Manager Melanie Reay and assistant Steph Libbey turned full-time last season.
Sunderland are set to begin their third season in the Barclays Women’s Championship after the club were promoted to the elite game in summer 2021. The Lady Black Cats face another competitive season with a number of clubs either operating on a full-time basis or transitioning towards that model.
🙌 We are delighted to announce that Brianna Westrup has signed a professional contract with the Club!
Congratulations, Bri! 👏#SAFCWomen
— Sunderland AFC Women (@SAFCWomen) July 2, 2023