She was part of the squad that defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League while also helping Bristol to two FA Women’s Cup Finals as she regularly captained the side.
The centre back, who also has England U-23 honours, made 17 appearances as the Vixens won promotion from FA WSL 2 last season, netting once in the process.
Now McCatty is moving to the North East to study at Durham University and as a result of the Wildcats partnership with them, she will compete for Durham WFC and the Team Durham BUCS side.
The Wildcats say that; Unfortunately, the defender sustained an injury prior to joining but will be supported through her rehabilitation by the club’s medical staff and performance support team, with the aim of being match fit for the new FA WSL 2017/18 season in September.
Speaking to WildcatsTV after she agreed to join the club, McCatty said: “It feels really good to be up here.
“Obviously it’s a big move up North for me, as it’s about four hours from where I currently live, but I’m really excited to be here and for the new challenge ahead.
“I’m so grateful for what I achieved at Bristol, but it got to the point where I needed a new challenge on and off the pitch.
“The off the pitch challenge is what has brought me here initially, but the on the pitch challenge is something I really want to embrace as well.”
Durham Manager Lee Sanders was delighted to secure the signing, adding: “We knew a fair bit about Grace from when we’ve played against Bristol this season and she’s been a part of a side that has had a lot of success since the start of the FA WSL.
“When the opportunity arose to sign Grace with her moving up to the area it was something that we were really interested in.
“She’ll add a little bit more experience to the side which is never a bad thing and will work within our Regional Talent Club and pass on her experience to some of our youngsters within the club.”
