Taylor Ray a huge loss to Mariners

Central Coast Mariners have confirmed the departure of Taylor Ray, who moves on to a new opportunity upon the expiration of her contract.

Ray was a headline signing for the club as she joined the ahead of the 2024/25 season on a one-year contract, after spending the previous seven seasons with Sydney FC where she amassed more than 60 appearances, won three A-League Championships and earned her first Matildas cap.

Her infectious work ethic and energy, coupled with her tenacious tacking and quality on the ball, instantly made her a favourite with not only her teammates but with the wider Mariners Family.

Ray impressed in the early stages of the season as a midfielder but would play the majority of the season out of position as a centre-back due to injuries in that area, contributing to seven clean sheets and not looking out of place whatsoever.

Her reliability was highlighted by the fact that she played every single minute of the regular A-League season.

She was then ruled out of the semi-final first leg clash with Melbourne City after picking up an ankle injury in the elimination final win over Canberra, but battled to recover in time for the second leg and pushed through the entire 120 minutes of the iconic grand final battle with Melbourne Victory.

Ray’s performances did not go unnoticed as she picked up the OSC Women’s Player of the Year, Maccas Fans’ Women’s Player of the Year and the Women’s Mariners Medal at the 2024/25 Mariners Medal Dinner, whilst adding a fourth A-League Champions Medal to her personal collection.

Everyone at the Mariners wished Ray all the best for her future endeavours.

Mariners’ new Head Coach Kory Babington acknowledged how much of a loss Ray would be to the squad, but offered a positive update on the recruitment process, following his recent appointment as Head Coach.

“We know that Taylor Ray is a huge loss after what she contributed to the Mariners during the past year.” Babington said.

“Taylor is a versatile, technical player with high level football IQ and is a serial winner.

“She is tenacious in the tackle, disciplined, mentally tough and reliable in big matches.

“We wish her all the best as she continues her career.

“Looking forwards, the staff and I are busy recruiting talent for the 2025-26 squad.

“After last year’s success and several departures, the team will undergo a significant rebuild for the upcoming season.

“We are looking internationally and locally, through the NPL, CCSC programs, NSW NPL as well as further afield.”

Further updates to the ALW squad will be announced in due course.