American midfielder Annie Karich (pronounced CARE-ick) is the Boston Legacy's first player signing. Karich comes to Boston from Frauen-Bundesliga club SC Freiburg as a free agent. The defensive midfielder hails from Surfside, Calif, and spent two years at Santa Clara University, where she was named West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. From her soccer journey, to her favorite TV show of all-time, meet Annie.

Birthday: October 26, 2003

Hometown: Surfside, Calif.

Position: Midfielder

What’s been your soccer journey?

I first started playing soccer when I was three, but I really got into it around 6 years old when I joined club soccer. I played up until I went to Santa Clara, which I committed to when I was in eighth grade. That had always been my dream school since I was a little girl. I’m really happy that I got to live out that dream. 

Along the way, I played for the U.S. Youth National Team from U-15 to U-23. Then I left Santa Clara and went to Freiburg in Germany.

Do you have any core soccer memories?

The friendships I made through playing have been such an unreal moment for me. I keep in contact with a lot of people I’ve played with, and the bonds that you get from being a teammate are unbeatable.

Who did you watch growing up?

My role model was Julie Ertz. She went to Santa Clara and played the same position as me, and she was on the national team. These were also my goals, so she was the perfect role model for me to watch and learn from.

How would you describe your playing style? 

I like to play a possession-style game with a lot of tight touches and tight passes to get out of things. 

What makes a great teammate? 

Being there for your teammates, supporting them through struggles, and listening to them is what makes a great teammate. Soccer is mentally and physically challenging, and having those people to depend on that are in the same situation as you, is very important. 

How do you want to grow your game?

I want to develop my overall game as a player by learning how to adapt to a new city, new team, and new league. I’m really excited to do that here in Boston. 

Why did you pick Boston Legacy FC?

When I was talking to [General Manager] Domè [Guasch] and [Director of Recruitment] Edward [Gallagher] about Boston, I was interested in the culture that they’re trying to build here. This is an expansion, but the team has goals and things that they’re trying to do within this first year. It is not just a year to get used to the league, and they’re really trying to make something special here. 

What do you like about the NWSL?

I wanted to come to the NWSL because it’ll be so nice to play in front of my family and friends. I think that the league is really moving in a great direction. It’s a competitive league and there are so many great players that I would love to play with, against, and learn from. 

OFF-FIELD RAPID FIRE

Favorite off-day activity? 

Going to the beach, or a cafe to get some coffee with friends.

Go-to coffee order?

In the morning, just a black coffee. In the afternoon, an iced vanilla latte.

Go-to snack?

Goldfish.

Morning or night person?

I’m a night person.

Window or aisle? 

I always sit in the aisle on planes.

Favorite TV show of all-time?

Criminal Minds.

Fun fact about yourself? 

I can write backwards.