After questioning whether NJ/NY Gotham FC would sign other college players, the team announced the addition of Andrea Kitahata from Stanford University. The California native joins the Bats on a one-year contract after a fantastic collegiate career. She is also the second rookie signed for 2026, joining Talia Sommer, who signed from Butler University. This shows the NJ/NY side continues to believe in the youth by signing rookies.
Kitahata spent five years at Stanford, for she was given a redshirt year after playing only six matches in her sophomore season. As a result, she played 99 games, scoring 39 goals and providing 32 assists.