Wellington Phoenix captain CJ Bott is entering an exciting new phase of her life.
Bott and her fiancé have announced she’s pregnant and they’re expecting their first child in July.
“It’s crazy,” she said. “I’m still wrapping my head around it but it’s something that I’ve always dreamed about and it’s really special.
“We’re over the moon and we’re really excited for this next phase of our lives.
“To bring a little baby into the team will be a lot of fun.”
As a result Bott will sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 Ninja A-League. But the experienced Football Fern is contracted to the Phoenix for another season and plans to play on.
“The next phase of my life is going to be a bit nuts. It already is crazy playing football professionally but adding a little one into the mix will be a lot busier.
“But I think it will be fun and a challenge that I’m more than ready to take on.”
And she still hopes to contribute to the team this season.
“I plan to be as involved as much as I can with the team.
“It’s always hard being a spectator, I won’t lie. I’m a footballer because I love to play.
“But I’m excited for the girls and I believe the team is in such good stead and Bev is leading them in such an incredible way where we’ve got so much depth in the squad despite all the injuries and my pregnancy.
“I’m gutted to be missing out and not being able to do my part, but I definitely have a role off the field, so I still feel very involved and I’ll be supporting from the sidelines.”
The Wellington Phoenix wishes to extend its congratulations to CJ Bott and her family.
“We’re absolutely over the moon for CJ and Ryan,” Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said. “It’s a real special moment in their lives.
“This is a first for the Phoenix to have a player go through that special moment of pregnancy and she has the team’s, the staff’s and the club’s full support through this journey.
“We’re all excited to be part of that journey and for a new addition to the Phoenix whānau.”
Bott will remain the women’s club captain while Mackenzie Barry will continue to lead the side in her absence.
“CJ will continue to be a big part of the team and can still contribute with her leadership and her mindset.
“Mack has shown she can lead this team on the field.
“They both share very similar attributes. They love to defend, no one can ever question their work ethic and they both train how they play.”
