Defender & promotion hero with an attacking spirit

Orschmann joined Union’s academy in 2013 alongside her twin sister Dina. At 16, after just one season in the U-17s, she made the leap to the first team where she played played until 2017, when she joined 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam II for three years. The defender returned to Union in the Summer of 2020, occasionally captaining the team in the Regionalliga Nordost. 

After spending half a year in the USA in the summer of 2022 as part of her studies, she returned to Köpenick for a second time in January 2023. This was followed by the most successful phase of her career at 1. FC Union Berlin as she was integral to the side on a remarkable run from the Regionalliga Nordost all the way to the Bundesliga. She made the first 14 top-flight appearances of her career there last season, scoring her debut top-flight goal against FC Carl-Zeiss Jena.

The 28-year-old played 115 league and DFB-Pokal matches over nine and a half years for Union, during which the defender scored 19 goals. Union fans will also remember her lethal long balls, with which she set up numerous goals.

The reactions to her departure

“My time at 1. FC Union Berlin was something very special for me,” said Orschmann on her move to a new country and league. “Over the past few years, I’ve been able to gain a lot of valuable experience and share unforgettable moments with the team. I’m very grateful for that. I look back with joy on the collaboration, the experiences and the many memories. Now I’m looking forward to a new chapter and a new challenge. I wish the club all the best for the future and every success in the new season.”

“Katja has left her mark on 1. FC Union Berlin over many years and played a decisive role in shaping the development of women’s and girls’ football,” added Jennifer Zietz, Union’s director of women’s football. “She was a key pillar on the pitch and always a reliable figure off it. We would like to thank her warmly for her tremendous commitment and her loyalty to the club, and wish her all the very best for her sporting and personal future.”