The Stingrays announced on Monday afternoon that Canberra United midfielder Olivia Price has joined the club - less than a week out from the club's opening Women's National Premier League One clash.

The 23-year-old, who has just finished her second W-League season with Canberra, arrives with an impressive resume.

Despite her age, Price is a W-League veteran, having previously played for Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers. She is also a former Australian Matildas under-20s captain.

She also brings a wealth of NPL experience to the Stingrays, having played for several clubs including Blacktown Spartans and NWS Koalas.

Price told the Mercury that it was a friendship forged with Wanderers captain and Stingrays star Erica Holloway which encouraged her to join the Illawarra club.

"We played together at the Wanderers a couple of seasons ago, she obviously put in a good word for me," Price said.

"It's always exciting to be involved in a new team. I'm not too familiar with them [Stingrays], but they've always been a challenge to play against so it's good to join them, help them and try get our team to the finals. The main goal of course is to win the league."

While United's 2019/20 season is over, Price is set to miss Illawarra's opening game against the Northern Tigers on Sunday as she remains under a W-League contract.

She will make her Stingrays debut later this month and Price said she couldn't wait to play alongside the likes of Caitlin Cooper and Michelle Carney.

"It's always good to play alongside experienced players because it helps you develop as a player," Price said.

"I know I'm new coming into the team, but I want to encourage the young kids and be a role model. I hope I can answer any questions and help with player development too."

See more: Stingrays prepare to surge towards the top

The move will provide a fresh start for Price after Canberra United's disappointing W-League campaign.

The team missed out on finals following a sixth place finish, with Price playing in all 12 games.

"It's been up and down. I've been with them for two years and both times we haven't got the result we wanted," the midfielder said.

"But there's always positives to come out of it. I've gained a lot of experience playing for Canberra. It's given me the opportunity to play consistent game time and get my name out there."

Price packed up and arrived in the Illawarra on the weekend and said she was enjoying settling into the region.

"My partner lives up here and I'm excited to live down the coast," Price said.

"I'm an ocean baby so I love being at the beach."

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