Durham Women are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Cat Sheppard from Sporting Lisbon.
The 24-year-old makes the switch to England having spent the last two years in the Portuguese top flight.
Sheppard, who hails from New York, was a standout performer for the New Hampshire Wildcats in the NCAA while studying at the University of New Hampshire.
Her crowning moment came in the 2022 America East Championship, as she led New Hampshire to a dramatic victory over Binghamton on penalties to secure only the second-ever America East title in programme history. After her standout performance, Sheppard was named the 2022 America East Championship Most Outstanding Player.
The stopper’s stunning form caught the eye of professional clubs and she joined Portuguese outfit Clube de Albergaria in 2023, featuring 24 times for the Campeonato Nacional Feminino side.
She impressed there too, and her performances saw Sporting Lisbon come calling last summer.
While with Sporting, she helped the side to the Portuguese Supercup and a second-place league finish – while also forming part of their squad as they faced Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
And now Sheppard’s next stop is England – and she can’t wait to get started at Maiden Castle.
“It’s been great, the team’s been really welcoming and the culture seems great,” she said.
“I understand the game well, I’m an over-communicator, I’m a gritty player and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the ball out the back of the net.”
The goalkeeper will wear the number 35 shirt at Maiden Castle.
This summer, we want to shine a spotlight on our region and will be unveiling all our signings at iconic locations across County Durham. Sheppard was unveiled as a Durham player at The Count’s House – constructed in the 1820s and designed to resemble a Greek Temple.
The deal remains subject to league and FA approval.
With thanks to Durham WFC
