Kansas City Current acquire forward Cece Kizer and defender Addisyn Merrick from Racing Louisville

The Kansas City Current acquired a pair of Kansas City area natives from Racing Louisville in forward Cece Kizer and defender Addisyn Merrick. In exchange, Louisville will receive one of Kansas City’s international slots through the 2023 season and $150,000 in allocation funds with an additional $25,000 should Kizer meet certain performance-based criteria.

“As we continue to build the franchise, it’s amazing to be able to recognize the great talent that comes from the Kansas City area” said general manager Camille Levin Ashton. “We are excited to welcome them home and look forward to the impact they will have.”

Kizer grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, leading Blue Valley Northwest to three straight Class 6A Kansas State Championship games. She played collegiately for Ole Miss where she still holds records for career goals (48) and points (119). The forward was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NWSL Draft by the Houston Dash. She played 22 games for the Dash in 2019 and the 2020 Challenge Cup before going on loan to Kolbotn in Norway.

“Returning home to Kansas City is a dream come true,” said Kizer. “The Current have built an incredible organization with their investment in facilities and the amazing fan base. I can’t wait to join the team!”

Kizer returned to the NWSL and was selected by Racing Louisville in the 2021 Expansion Draft. She scored the first goal in Louisville’s history in the team’s 2021 Challenge Cup debut April 10. She led the team in games started (22) and was second in goals scored (5) and minutes played (1,889). She comes to Kansas City with two assists in seven games played so far this season.

Merrick is also a Kansas City area native, having grown up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Crossing over the state line, she played collegiately at the University of Kansas where she led the team to the 2019 Big XII Championship and was named the Big XII Defender of the Year.

“I am so excited to join the Current,” said Merrick. “Being able to come home and play is very special to me and the opportunity to play for a club that is changing the landscape for women’s sports in Kansas City. I can’t wait to get started!”

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NWSL Draft by the North Carolina Courage, Merrick appeared in seven matches for the Courage in the 2020 Challenge Cup and Fall Series. Merrick was the first player selected by Racing Louisville in the 2020 Expansion Draft but missed much of the season due to an injury. Making a strong comeback, the young defender has started two matches for Racing Louisville in 2022.

Both players will be available for selection this Saturday, June 11 as the Current host NJ/NY Gotham. The team will remain home next Saturday against the Chicago Red Stars. Both matches will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are available online at KansasCityCurrent.com/tickets.