Carolin Engelhard has had a remarkable football journey that has taken her across countries and leagues before joining Brentford FC Women’s First Team in July 2024. Carolin's playing style can be described as solid, composed, and team-oriented, making her a reliable presence on the pitch.

Carolin's footballing career began at the young age of 5, playing with the boys' team at SV Germania Grasdorf. By 12, she transitioned to girls' football with TSG Ahlten, and her talent quickly gained attention, leading her to join VfL Wolfsburg’s youth setup from the ages of 15 to 18. Carolin then took her game international, earning a D1 scholarship to play in the United States for Middle Tennessee State University from 2017 to 2021. After completing her studies, she moved to Scotland, where she played for Stirling University, once again with a football scholarship, before making the move to Richmond Park in London in 2023. Now, she’s looking to make her mark with Brentford FC.

Beyond football, Carolin works as a Research Coordinator for the NHS, where her role gives her a profound perspective on health and well-being. "Working in a hospital makes you very aware of how quickly life can change," Carolin shares. This perspective encourages her to fully embrace every moment she can on the football pitch, grateful for the opportunity to stay fit and healthy. Balancing football with her professional life also helps her maintain her mental and physical health, a duality that speaks to her dedication both on and off the field.

One of Carolin’s proudest moments came in 2022 when she overcame a year-long injury, proving her resilience and determination. Returning to the sport after such a challenging period was a testament to her work ethic and passion for the game.

Though Carolin has only been with Brentford for a few months, she’s already fully invested in the team's goals, with her sights set on promotion. For her personally, she’s focused on contributing as much as possible, aiming to play as many minutes as she can to help achieve that team goal.

Carolin’s advice to young girls aspiring to play football is grounded in perseverance: "Don't give up when things don’t go the way you thought they would, and always be prepared to step out of your comfort zone — there are great things waiting on the other end." Her experience overcoming injury and adapting to new challenges reflects this advice, and she’s determined to continue setting an example for others.

Looking toward the future, Carolin is hopeful for the continued growth of women’s football, both at Brentford and in general. She envisions a future where everyone has equal opportunities to enjoy and play the game, and she’s eager to play her part in Brentford’s development. With the club’s strong infrastructure and commitment to women's football, Carolin believes Brentford can produce top-quality players, and she’s determined to be part of that journey for as long as possible.