HARRISON, N.J. – Sky Blue FC has signed goalkeeper Megan Hinz to a new contract for the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League season, the team announced Thursday.

The terms of the deal include a one-year contract with a second-year club option.

“I am extremely excited to be continuing my journey with Sky Blue,” Hinz said in a statement. “Although 2020 was a tough year for everyone, it was a year of hard work and development for this team and for myself. I look forward to continuing that growth this upcoming season and doing so with this amazing Club and team!”

Added head coach Freya Coombe: “We are excited to have Stu [Hinz0 back for 2021. She consistently pushes herself and her teammates to improve.”

Hinz, 25, joined Sky Blue in August 2019 following a collegiate career at the University of Michigan and a stint with the Chicago Red Stars. At Michigan, Hinz finished in the all-time top 10 in four categories in program history including fourth in goals-against average (0.97), sixth in wins (25), seventh in shutouts (11.4), and ninth in saves (125).

She has yet to make her debut for Sky Blue.

“Stu is a true professional who gives her all day in and day out in our training environment,” general manager Alyse LaHue said in a statement. “She is the type of positive personality you love to have in your club.”

Sky Blue FC begins its preseason Feb. 1, with the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup set to kick off April 9. The team is preparing for a 24-match campaign beginning May 15.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.