Oxford United Women are delighted to announce the signing of left-back Maddie Brant from Lewes.
The 25-year-old joins the U’s following two seasons at fellow WNL Southern Premier Division side Lewes, where she was club captain.
Maddie is a versatile and attacking defender who made 23 appearances throughout the 2025/26 season to help Lewes to a fifth-placed finish.
Speaking after completing her move, Maddie said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Oxford United. The Club has an ambition that matches my own and I’m so excited for a new challenge and a new environment.
“I think everything’s moving in the right direction and it speaks volumes that a lot of last year’s squad have been retained.
“Obviously it’s an attractive environment to be in, people want to be here and there’s some ambitious signings being made, so it all looks really positive for the future.
Maddie spent five years in Chelsea’s academy, before moving to the United States in 2019 to play college football alongside her studies in sports science and neuroscience.
Her time stateside included three years at Rutgers University in New Jersey before she moved to Iowa State University for a further two years.
She said: “In America, I gained a lot of great experiences both academically and on the football pitch.
“It was a huge culture shock for me going over and playing in America as it is a very athletic and fast game.
“Coming back home, it is more technical and tactical which suits me a lot more. It’s a lot more competitive than in the States which is everything I live for.
“I can play left centre-back, but left-back is where I feel best suited. I love being an attacking full-back but also enjoy the gritty, defensive side of it too.”
Upon her return to England in 2024, Maddie joined Lewes and enjoyed two successful seasons in East Sussex. She was recently voted by her peers to receive the Lewes Legend prize at the club’s end-of-season awards, which recognises those that consistently go above and beyond for their teammates and club.
Maddie becomes Liam Gilbert’s second summer signing, following the arrival of Sophie Quirk, and will link up with her new teammates next week as Oxford United Women begin pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Click HERE to watch Maddie’s first interview as an Oxford United player.
