The Wellington Phoenix have re-signed one of the pillars of the women’s league-leading defence.
The club is delighted to announce American centre back Ellie Walker, who is the only Phoenix player to have played every minute of the team’s season to date, has recommitted to the club for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League.
Alongside Mackenzie Barry and Marisa van der Meer in the Nix’s back three Wellington have registered a club record six clean sheets this season and have conceded just 16 goals, three fewer than any other team.
Walker’s followed fellow visa players Brooke Nunn and Makala Woods in signing on for a second season with the Phoenix and is the 10th women’s player already on the club’s books for next season.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman is delighted to have secured another experienced player.
“Ellie’s shown this season what she can contribute to our side,” Priestman said. “Her defensive qualities and aggression to help us win the ball back have been fantastic.
“She has also made our right hand side attack tick with her technical ability on the ball, and she is a threat in the box for us as well.
“And Ellie’s leadership and communication are a major asset to the team.
“I look forward to seeing her continue to grow in yellow and black next season.”
Ellie Walker says it was an easy decision to sign a new contract with the Phoenix.
“I feel like I’m at home,” Walker said. “Someone is going to have to kick me out of here!
“Wellington itself is just a great place to live and be. It kind of reminds me of home, minus the wind!
“I think it’s cool to have the chance to stay at a place for another year, especially when you’re happy and you like where you are.”
Walker says she’s been excited about the Nix’s project from the moment she first talked to the club.
“When they spoke to me it was about how I would fit into their plan, which was really cool to know that you’re wanted in that situation.
“The staff, resources and programme and club as a whole is really supportive, which makes showing up so much easier.
“Obviously, there are going to be blips in the season where it’s not always going well but having that framework makes it easier to do your job as an athlete and that also helps you be more successful in general.
“Success is nice too, so having a winning season thus far is exciting and whether we win a title this year or next year, there’s a lot of hope and I’ve bought into it.”
She hopes she’s been able to help the club as much as the coaching staff thought she would.
“I don’t describe myself as a flashy player. I like to be simple, really get the job done and help where I can whether that’s with leadership or communication.
“The league here is a little bit more similar to the U.S. in terms of physicality, fitness and athleticism.
“I’m tall, somewhat fast and strong and it allows me to excel in some things I can do well.”
Ellie Walker will be in action for the finals-bound Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon when the women play host to Western Sydney Wanderers in their final regular season home match at Porirua Park.
