Melbourne Victory W-League assistant Kat Smith is set to make a sensational playing return after agreeing terms with Galaxy United for the 2016 NPLW Victoria season.
The former Australian Women’s National Soccer League player with Victoria Vision returns to the pitch after two years, having held various backroom roles in that time.
A Victory assistant since 2013, Smith has worked with Dave Edmondson across two separate stints, including during the club’s Championship-winning season.
She won her first game as caretaker head coach against Newcastle Jets in his absence last weekend.
Smith has also been a Talented Player Development Manager at Football Federation Victoria, a facilitator and trainer with SEDA’s Melbourne City Talented Player Program, and an NPL technical director at Green Gully.
A former player with the NTC and Box Hill, the defender was part of the latter’s 2012 Grand Final triumph, winning 4-3 on penalties after the game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Galaxy United coach Vicenzo Ierardo was pleased to have a player of Smith’s experience alongside his predominantly youthful squad.
“Kat and I have worked together in the state programs and Melbourne Victory set up over the last 2 or 3 seasons and built a very good relationship,” Ierardo said.
“She hasn’t played for the past two seasons but was keen to continue playing again. She brings plenty of experience and leadership to the team which is important.
“I know what she can do on the park, so it’s just getting her back to the football fitness levels before Round 1”.
Smith said her time off the pitch had “re-ignited the passion and determination to push myself beyond limits and return to the game I love”
“The challenge will be preparing the body for what my mind thinks it can do or did in the past,” she said.
“Nevertheless it’s an exciting time for women’s football on and off the park. The youth of today have a very bright future and I hope my ongoing contribution to the game can support and guide talent coming through.”
Photo: Galaxy United