Australian U23s representative Isabel Gomez has signed a two-season contract extension with Central Coast Mariners, keeping the 22-year-old on the Coast until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Gomez arrived at the Mariners at the beginning of the club’s return campaign in the Liberty A-League from Wellington, immediately becoming a crucial member of the squad that reached the semi-finals.
A tough and strong ball winning midfielder, the 22-year-old impressed from the outset.
She ended the campaign with 24 games played, missing just 54 minutes of action in those matches.
Her lone strike of the season, her debut goal in the Liberty A-League, was a Goal of the Season contender against former club Western Sydney, to go along with her three assists.
She also finished the campaign as the League leader in tackles won, possession recovered, and dribblers tackled.
Gomez’s performances resulted in her picking up a number of individual accolades at the Mariners Medal dinner, including Players Player of the Year, Coaches Player of the Year and OSC Player of the Year.
Off the back of her stellar season, the midfielder received her first ever call-up to the Australian Women’s U23 National Team, making the squad for the Four Nations Tournament in Växjö.
Mariners head coach Emily Husband said she was thrilled to have Gomez signed to the club on a multi-year contract and was excited to watch her continue to develop on the Coast.
“It is fantastic to have Izzy staying here on the Coast for another two years,” Husband said.
“She was brilliant last season, and it was great to watch her achieve what she did on a personal level, as well as what she helped us achieve as a team and club.
“Having someone of her quality sign a multi-year deal, it helps us build a strong foundation moving forward with this team.
“What she was able to do last season was fantastic, but we have no doubt that she will be able to achieve even more in the future with the club.”
The 22-year-old midfielder said she was eager for the season to start, proud to be wearing the yellow and navy again.
“I’m super excited to be coming back to the Mariners,” she said.
“We did so well as a team and club last season, and I loved being a part of the group.
“The way that I played last year with a lot of confidence, I got a lot of support from the team and coaching staff, so I just could not say no to coming back to the Coast.
“I can’t wait for the team to all be together, have the new players in to see what they can do. I think we are in for a big year, and I can’t wait to get started.”