Racing Louisville of the U.S. National Women¡¯s Soccer League announced the signing of Japanese midfielder Yuuka Kurosaki on Thursday.

The 26-year-old former University of Kentucky player signed a two-year deal with a mutual option for 2026.

¡°We are extremely excited to bring Yuuka to Racing,¡± coach Bev Yanez said. ¡°Her technical ability and positional awareness on the pitch stood out massively to us. We definitely feel she is a great addition in several aspects.¡±

Kurosaki played professionally in Norway and Finland before returning to the U.S. and joining the NWSL.

¡°First of all, I would like to thank the organization and all of the people who made this happen and believed in me,¡± Kurosaki said. ¡°After talking to the coaches, I really liked the positive and supportive culture that the team has on and off the pitch. I believe this is the place I want to grow as a player and as a person. I am super excited to start a new chapter with Racing Louisville FC.¡±

Kurosaki played college soccer with both Kentucky (2017-18) and Oklahoma (2019-20).