SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Zephyr FC continues to boost their roster with two new signings, Makena Carr and Wayny Balata.
23-year-old defender Makena Carr is familiar with Washington, growing up east of Seattle. Carr also played three years at the University of Washington before finishing her collegiate career at Saint Mary's. She was drafted 43rd overall in the 2024 National Women's Soccer League Draft by the Seattle Reign FC.
During Carr's time in California with the Gaels she earned All-WCC First Team recognition with one goal and two assists in 15 games.
“Makena is a dynamic young player with incredible potential. She is not only hardworking and tough on defense, but possesses great ability with the ball at her feet as well,” said Katie Harnetiaux, President of USL Spokane and co-owner of Aequus Sports. “She can beat the oppositions one on one, find the right pass, and create goal scoring opportunities. We are very excited to have Makena with us!"
The defender says she is grateful for the chance to continue playing soccer in Washington state and compete for Zephyr FC.
“To have the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and having fun within the sport while being close to home is exciting,” Carr said. “Growing up, I would go back and forth from the west side of the state to the east for soccer games and basketball tournaments. So, over the years I became familiar with Spokane. I am so excited to be back and be a part of something special.”
Carr will join 22-year-old midfielder Wayny Balata, who finished off her fifth and final season at Southern Methodist University in Texas.
Balata, from Quebec, scored 16 goals and five assists in 56 matches. She was named to the AAC All-Rookie Team in 2019 and All-Conference Second Team in 2021.
“Wayny is a technical midfielder who can turn really well and connect with her partners quickly,” Harnetiaux said. “Also having played in the U17 and U20 Canadian National Team, we are looking to help grow Wayny’s potential.”
Balata says she is eager to represent her new city in the USL Super League.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to get to play in a brand new league and be provided the chance to build and foster something special with the entire Spokane community,” Balata said. “It’s a unique experience that I am definitely looking forward to.”
Zephyr FC will play its first match this August at the ONE Spokane Stadium.
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