Amelia Abbott

DOB 22/7/01

Amelia Abbott joined the Wellington Phoenix shortly before Christmas, a week after her final university exam.

The versatile midfielder, who is also comfortable playing as a defender, spent four years at the University of Texas, the last two years of which the Longhorns won the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournaments back-to-back.

Abbott was a key member of the New Zealand side that memorably finished third at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay in 2018, playing alongside the likes of Mackenzie Barry, Macey Fraser and Anna Leat, and scored one of the goals of the tournament in their quarter-final against Japan.

She helped New Zealand qualify for the 2020 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica and Panama, but the tournament was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abbott made her Football Ferns debut against Canada in 2021.

She hails from Nelson and played with Annalie Longo, Rebecca Lake, Zoe McMeeken and Alyssa Whinham at the Canterbury Pride as well as doing some coaching with Daisy Brazendale and Ella McCann.

> 2023-24 season

Amelia Abbott made just one appearance for the Texas Longhorns as they marched to the SEC tournament title in their first season.

The Longhorns lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament to Michigan State.

Abbott is looking forward to starting her pro journey at the Phoenix.

“I’m super excited and happy that I’ve been given this chance,” she said. “Through the last few years I’ve enjoyed watching the Nix play. I’ve tried to keep track of everything from America.

“I’m coming in mid-season so anything I can do to help this season would be awesome and try and be a positive impact.

“I’m not going to put a lot of pressure on myself. I want to enjoy what I can with the girls and make as much as I can out of this opportunity I’ve got.”