The Central Coast Mariners are delighted to announce that Taren King has signed a new two-year contract with the club, keeping the defender in Yellow and Navy until at least 2026.
Now entering her eighth season in the A-League competition, King arrived at the Mariners at the start of the 2023/24 season following stints with Canberra and more recently our F3 Derby rivals Newcastle.
The defender was awarded the Mariners captaincy in pre-season last year, being selected to wear the armband by both our coaching staff and her peers.
King led the team out onto Industree Group Stadium for the first time in front of over 5,000 fans in our Round One Derby match, before scoring our first goal back in the A-League against Adelaide a week later.
Her season on the pitch was unfortunately cut short when she suffered an ACL injury in January this year, keeping her sidelined for the rest of our campaign. Despite this, King helped lead the team from off the field, playing a vitally important role in our successful return season.
Now almost nine months on from when the injury occurred, her recovery is tracking well, with the defender hoping to be back on the pitch in the early stages of 2025.
King is delighted to have signed a new two-year contract, eager to get back playing in front of the Mariners Family.
“I had a great season last year with the Mariners, despite it being cut short with injury, and I am thrilled to be back again,” King said.
“I have always enjoyed playing for the Mariners Family, stepping out in front of our amazing fans. The Central Coast is such a special community, and to be able to put the jersey on for them means a lot. The team that Em and the coaching staff have put together this campaign looks super exciting, so fans can expect another huge season.”
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband is pleased to have King signed for another two seasons, seeing her leadership as incredibly important for the squad.
“Taren was a huge part of the first half of our season on the field before her injury and it is great to have her signed for a further two seasons at the Mariners,” Husband said.
“She is a fantastic leader for us both on and off the field, the first to put her hand up to help anyone and give advice to the younger players.
“When she returns from injury, Taren will be an important piece in our defence, and we can’t wait for her to be back on the pitch soon.”
