Gotham FC's Hensley Hancuff joins Brisbane Roar on loan

Brisbane Roar’s goalkeeping stocks are in safe hands with the signing of Hensley Hancuff on loan for the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season.

The 22-year-old joins the Roar from Gotham FC having been drafted to the NWSL club in March’s rookie draft.

Former Roar goalkeeping coach Brody Sams’ had recommended the Queensland-based club to Hancuff and the move was made to acquire the services of the American.

It is the first move in a growing relationship between the two clubs that will be mutually beneficial for the players.

“Brody is awesome, he’s been such a great addition to Gotham. He’s been such a great coach on and off the field and he’s the one that recommended this to me and got this put together,” Hancuff said.

Ahead of coming to Australia, Hancuff discussed the motivation for the move and her expectations for the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season.

“I’m coming down to expand my palette in the soccer world, have some experiences in other countries and get some games under my belt! I’m a young goalkeeper in the NWSL so it’s my responsibility to go out there and chase my dream,” she said

The native of Edmond, Oklahoma was born to play football training with the Orlando Pride while still in high school before starting her college career with Villanova University and then transferring to Clemson University in North Carolina for her final two seasons.

While playing for the Tigers, Hancuff featured in 31 matches, tallying 20 wins as well as several individual accolades as her side made a run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.

“It was one of the highlights of my career so far,” she said.

“It was the year after COVID-19 and we had been waiting for a long time to play so it was an awesome moment in my career and I’m looking forward to many more moments like that.”

Hancuff was drafted to Gotham FC in the third round and spent the most recent season learning under the highly experienced Michelle Betos and two-time Women’s World Cup winner Ashlyn Harris.

Having spent the season studying her senior counterparts, Hancuff is looking forward to joining the Roar and meeting fellow American Shea Connors.

“I’m so excited though, I’ve heard great things from Brody about the team and I’m so excited to be a part of it and hopefully be a big player on the field,” she said.

Roar Head Coach Garrath McPherson is eager to bring Hancuff into the squad for the coming season.

“It is wonderful to finally be able to celebrate the signing of Hensley with our community,” he said.

“She will be a commanding presence for our defensive line and a player who will add great value to our side.

“Her coaches speak incredibly highly of her work ethic and character and we are all looking forward to having her join the team and enjoy the Queensland way of life!”

Hancuff will join the Brisbane Roar Liberty A-League side in November.

CONFIRMED ROAR 2022/23 LIBERTY A-LEAGUE SQUAD

Eash Norrie (Lions FC)

Hollie Palmer (Capalaba FC)

Shea Connors (APIA Leichhardt)

Larissa Crummer (Capalaba FC)

Sharn Freier (Moreton Bay United)

Mariel Hecher (Lions FC)

Holly McQueen (Future Matildas Program)

Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GK)

Georgia Beaumont (Moreton Bay United)

Talitha Kramer (Capalaba FC)