The Guardian | UK
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What does Sam Kerr’s return to the NWSL mean for the league, Gotham FC and the player herself?
Australian soccer superstar Sam Kerr is returning to the US after a seven-year absence, finding a significantly transformed landscape. Her previous NWSL team, then known as Sky Blue, had deplorable playing conditions, lacking basic amenities like locker rooms or running water at their training facility. This July, Kerr returned to a vastly evolved franchise, now called Gotham, which has won two NWSL Championships in three seasons. The club has undergone a comprehensive overhaul of its players, personnel, and a crucial prioritization of player conditions. This turnaround is largely attributed to the president of soccer operations, Yael Averbuch West, who played a pivotal role in Gotham's progress. Kerr's return is considered a landmark moment for the club, signifying a homecoming for one of the greatest women's professional soccer players in the US. It also demonstrates the continued ambition of a program that has diligently worked to revolutionize its operations. The vastly improved conditions and competitive success mark a stark contrast to Kerr's previous experience. This return represents an exciting moment of nostos for Kerr and a testament to Gotham's commitment to excellence.