Kansas City Current Defender Laney Rouse Signs Two-Year Contract Extension

KANSAS CITY (May 14, 2026) – Kansas City Current defender Laney Rouse, who joined the team from the collegiate ranks on a one-year deal during the offseason, has signed a contract extension, the club announced on Thursday. Rouse’s new two-year contract will keep her in Kansas City through the 2028 season, with a club option for 2029.

“Laney has made an immediate impact on our club over these past few months with her positive attitude and unrelenting work ethic,” said general manager Ryan Dell. “She has bought into our system from day one. Her desire to learn and grow does not go unnoticed and she has already made great strides in her development. Laney’s future is bright, and we’re thrilled she will continue to call Kansas City home.”

Rouse made her professional debut against Seattle on March 25 and has started three of her four matches during the 2026 NWSL regular season. The right back has played a full 90 minutes each time she has joined the starting lineup, and she was a crucial part of the club earning its first road points at North Carolina on May 2 and its first shutout vs. Chicago a week later. She also logged a full match in both Teal Rising Cup games as Kansas City lifted the trophy in April.

"I'm extremely happy to be able to continue my career with the Kansas City Current,” said Rouse. “I’m excited to keep competing with a club that’s competitive, ambitious and always pushing for more. The mentality here, from the players to the staff, motivates you to improve every day and strive to be your best. It's an honor to represent this club, and I will keep giving my all to this team and community."

Prior to joining the Current, Rouse starred at the University of Virginia from 2020-25 where she was part of the starting lineup in 86 of her 97 matches and logged over 6,600 minutes, finishing her college career with two goals and seven assists. She recorded a goal and three assists during her final season in 2025, and contributed to 55 shutouts during her career in Charlottesville.

The Cary, N.C. native garnered United Soccer Coaches All-America Fourth Team honors and was selected to the All-Region Second Team and All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Second Team in 2025. She guided her team to NCAA Tournament berths in five of her six seasons as UVA advanced to the College Cup in 2020-21. Virginia won the ACC regular season title in 2021 before its runner-up finish at the ACC Tournament.

Internationally, Rouse has been part of the United States Youth National Team system at the Under-14, U-16, U-19 and U-20 levels. She helped the U.S. win the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship, recording an assist vs. the Dominican Republic as the team won Group E. She was also part of the U.S. squad which won the Sud Ladies Cup in 2022. Rouse participated in the 2022 FIFA U-20 World Cup, starting two of the USA’s three matches with a full 90 minutes and registering an assist vs. Ghana in the opening group stage match.