West Wake News

The North Carolina Courage have secured the transfer of 19-year-old Japanese midfielder Shinomi Koyama from Swedish club Djurgårdens IF. The agreement includes a three-year contract, extending through the 2027 NWSL season. Koyama will join the team once she receives her P1 Visa, requiring an international spot.

Koyama was a pivotal player for Japan during the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2024, leading her team to a silver-medal finish alongside new teammate Manaka Matsukubo. She played nearly every minute of the tournament and served as captain in four matches, scoring one goal while alternating between midfield and defense roles.

"Adding Shinomi only strengthens an already excellent midfield group for us," stated Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas. "A young talent who has started to emerge on the world stage. Extremely cerebral, technically proficient, and an excellent passer, she will fit right into our style of play and be herself. Having her join players such as Denise O’Sullivan and Riley Jackson will make our daily environment that much better. She will be a great addition to our team along with our culture and we cannot wait to have her here in NC. I know our supporters will welcome her with open arms in the coming months! Yet another great day for our club."

Before joining Djurgårdens IF, Koyama made 13 appearances for Kobe Leonessa in Japan's WE League during the 2022-23 season and later moved to Cezero Osaka with seven appearances in the 2023-24 season. In Sweden, she scored four goals over 21 appearances in 2024.

Koyama has also represented Japan at various youth levels and debuted for the senior national team in a friendly against New Zealand in 2022. Her recent call-up came during the final window of 2024.