GLENDALE — Kaleigh Kurtz holds National Women’s Soccer League records for consecutive regular-season minutes, games and starts.

The veteran center back now brings her legendary durability as the defensive anchor for Denver Summit FC in its inaugural NWSL campaign.

Kurtz, 31, was named a league Ironwoman — someone who plays every minute of every regular-season match for her club — four years in a row (2022-25) with the North Carolina Courage. Kurtz signed with Denver Summit FC in November. Their first game is fast approaching on March 14 against Bay FC in San Jose, Calif.

On Wednesday, following practice at Infinity Park, Kurtz explained her secret to impressive consistency.

“My genetics,” Kurtz said with a laugh.

Of course, the full truth is more nuanced.

Kurtz rose to prominence playing college soccer at South Carolina, her home state, with Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. Kurtz signed with the Courage in 2018 after starting preseason as a nonroster invite. Kurt worked her way up into a prominent role and never left the field with 10,000-plus consecutive minutes played.

Her story resonates with teammates like forward Ally Brazier, a Colorado Springs native, who described Kurtz as “very dependable.”

“She always has the grit and the grind. The high standard that she holds herself to,” Brazier told The Denver Gazette. “You feel like you never have to push her, because she pushes herself every single day. … She is someone who shows excellence and will also demand excellence.”

Denver Summit FC coach Nick Cushing and general manager Curt Johnson hand-picked a roster to fill specific needs ahead of their inaugural season. It’s clear to see how Kurtz fits in their grand vision.

“An incredible commitment to her craft,” Cushing said. “An incredible commitment to the physical side of her game, to learning and continuing to improve. You can see the ambition and energy that she has. … She is the type of player I like to work with. Asks a million questions and pushes me as hard as I push her. That’s what the best players do.”

Kurtz is no stranger to success. She won two consecutive NWSL championships (2018-19) with the Courage. Kurtz is tasked with helping lead an expansion team to similar success. Her Ironwoman reputation is well earned.

“I think that my family has given me an amazing body to be able to do what I do every single day,” Kurtz said. “I’m able to be fit and stay healthy for the most part. I’ve got to give my parents kudos for that one. But obviously, it comes down to the coach. Does the coach believe in you and have confidence in you? … I also credit them for entrusting me with that honor and that spot. Then our med staff is always putting in hours of work behind the scenes that no one else really gets to see.

“They keep me healthy.”