Defenders both selected during 2023 NWSL Draft
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Pride has signed defenders Tori Hansen and Brianna Martinez, it was announced today, both joining the side on one-year deals through the 2023 NWSL season, with options for an additional year.
“We are happy to be able to sign both Tori and Brianna to our roster for the season. The pair enables us to shore up our back line with depth and versatility,” said Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Haley Carter. “Brianna is attack minded and comfortable on the ball. Tori offers another calming presence and is a true aerial threat on set pieces. Both players progressed tremendously over preseason, and we look forward to seeing their continued development.”
Hansen was selected by the Pride at No. 25 overall in the third round of the 2023 NWSL Draft. A North Carolina native, Hansen played four seasons at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she made 65 appearances and started 28 matches, netting nine goals and adding four assists throughout her collegiate career.
In 2022, the Tar Heels finished as runners-up in the 2022 NCAA College Cup after a 3-2 loss against UCLA. That same year, Hansen earned United Soccer Coaches All-America Second Team honors, as well as All-Atlantic Region First Team and First Team All-ACC. At the international level, Hansen was involved in 23 youth USWNT camps and tournaments, making appearances for the U-15, U-17, and U-19 teams.
Martinez was selected 17th overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft by Racing Louisville FC before joining the Pride this preseason as a non-roster invitee. A product of University of Notre Dame, Martinez captained the Fighting Irish in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Through the 2022 campaign, Martinez logged 1,476 minutes and finished her college career with two goals and four assists. She was later selected for the U.S. U-23 National Team for the 2022 Thorns Preseason Tournament.
The Pride return to action on Sunday, April 2, hosting Angel City FC at Exploria Stadium. Kick off for the match is slated for 5:30 p.m., airing locally on FOX35.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs defenders Tori Hansen and Brianna Martinez to one-year contracts through 2023 season with an option for an additional year.
Tori Hansen
Number: 22
Position: Defender
Height: 5-10
Born: January 14, 2001 in Raleigh, N.C.
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Citizenship: USA
Brianna Martinez (bree-AH-nuh)
Number: 32
Position: Defender
Height: 5-6
Born: April 22, 2000 in Albuquerque, N.M.
Hometown: Albuquerque, N.M.
Citizenship: USA
