Fresh from breaking the Australian outgoing transfer record with her move to San Diego Wave, Kaitlyn Torpey has reflected on her time at City, labelling it the best three seasons of her career.
Since joining the Club ahead of the 2021/22 season, the 24-year-old missed just one game as she quickly became one of the most prolific fullbacks in the league.
“I don’t even know where to start with City, I came from Roar where I was there for five seasons and as soon as I joined City I felt like a completely different person, I kind of used it as a fresh start,” Torpey said. “I’ve only missed one game with City, and it’s provided me with so many opportunities and it’s the best club in the A-League in my opinion.”
During her time at City, Torpey has become a much-loved figure in the changing room and an important member of the team’s leadership group.
Reflecting on the role City has played in her development, the Australian international was full of praise for Dario, the staff and the Club.
“I’ve always had good coaches, I started with Rado [Vidosic] and now I’ve had Dario, and he’s been amazing, he’s done so much for me and I sit with him every week for three to four hours doing video review just me and him,” Torpey said.
“It’s not just him, it’s Andy Barnett at the club, as an S&C he’s one of the best I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without him and this club, so I can’t speak highly enough of it and it’s been the best three seasons of my career,” she added.
Torpey’s move to the National Women’s Soccer League powerhouse smashed the Australian transfer record.
Not only does this showcase that the best teams in the world are looking at City for their talent, but that the Women’s game is quickly moving in the right direction.
“It’s amazing, I never would have thought in this process that I would break a record or get even close to a record fee,” Torpey explained.
“To be honest it’s amazing that something like this can even happen now, a few years ago when the season was shorter none of this would have happened so I feel very privileged that I’ve broken the record for Australian players, and I think it’s a really good thing for the league and for Australian players that this can happen.”
The 24-year-old’s move to San Diego will see her share a locker room with former City and current Matildas legend, Emily van Egmond, as well as USWNT star Alex Morgan, as she takes on one of the best leagues in the world in a dream transfer.
“The reason why I’ve decided to take this opportunity is quite simple, it’s one of my dream leagues to play in and I’m so excited,” Torpey said.
“I’ve played for City for three years now and it’s got me to where I am, and I wouldn’t have had this offer without City, but I’m excited to go play in my dream league.
“I’m so excited to get over there and I think it will really push me, I think that’s what I’m most excited about, the challenge that it will bring,” she added.
“It’s obviously a really quality league with top players, and I’m probably most excited to be working under Casey Stoney as the coach – I’ve heard amazing things about her and she’s developed a lot of really young players so I’m really excited to get my name out there.”
Although it’s not easy leaving her teammates as they sit atop the league ladder, Torpey will be the team’s biggest supporter as she watches on from the US.
“It’s bittersweet leaving at the pointy end of the season because hopefully this year we’ll get the reward that we’ve been wanting this past three seasons, but I’m going to miss the girls and everyone at the club so much. Hopefully we can get the reward for our hard work and they’re going to do well and I’ll be watching.”
