STATESBORO, Ga. – May 6, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC is pleased to announce the signing of Momo Nakao from the University of Memphis, pending league and federation approval. Nakao joins Sarah Hagg as the two Tigers on South Georgia’s 2024 USL W League roster.
“I am looking forward to competing this summer for Tormenta FC,” Nakao said. “I am grateful to be able to practice in an environment that is well-organized and surrounded by professional staff and talented players. I will do my best to improve myself and contribute to winning all games for Tormenta FC this summer.”
The attacking midfielder joins South Georgia following her third season at the University of Memphis, where she has made 60 appearances for the Tigers and won three consecutive American Athletic Conference (AAC) championships. During her collegiate career, Nakao has netted 10 career goals and provided 11 assists.
Nakao’s strongest season came in 2023, in which she started all 22 matches and ranked third in minutes played amongst the team. She recorded six goals and assisted on five, earning her the AAC Midfielder of the Year award. Nakao was also recognized as a member of the 2023 AAC All-Conference First Team, AAC Championship All-Tournament Team, and United Soccer Coaches All-South Region First Team.
Nakao has been a member of the U16, U17, and U19 Japanese National Team squads. She is one of two Tormenta FC players who participated in the 2018 U17 World Cup in Uruguay, joining goalkeeper Blair Currie of New Zealand.
“Momo is a very talented and skillful midfielder. She is exceptional with the ball at her feet and makes great decisions which allow her to dictate the rhythm and tempo of the game in the possession phase,” Head Coach Jim Robbins said. “Her experience at the highest levels in the NCAA and with the U16, U17, and U19 Youth National Teams back in Japan will be great assets in our goal to compete at the highest level in the USL W League again in 2024.”
Tormenta FC fans can watch Nakao and Tormenta FC in the W League this summer by purchasing tickets here!
Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL) and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
