Club original Lu Barnes signs new one-year contract with Seattle Reign
By Becca Weinberg, edited by Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - Seattle Reign defender and club original Lauren Barnes has signed a new one-year contract through the 2025 season. Barnes returns for her 13th season with Seattle, and is one of the longest tenured players in the NWSL. The club captain has played in 232 of the Reign’s 252 regular season matches, and holds the league record for minutes played with 19,795 and counting. Teammate and fellow club original Jess Fishlock joins Barnes as the only players currently in the NWSL that have been with the same club since the league began back in 2013, two pillars of this club and league.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Lu Barnes back to the Reign this season. From the very beginning, Lu has been the heart and soul of this club, and her legacy here is unparalleled. As a world-class defender and leader in the NWSL, her influence extends far beyond the field. We are excited to see the immense impact she will continue to have on our team and the Reign community this season.”
Seattle Reign FC defender and captain Lu Barnes captured at homes match inside of Lumen Field throughout the clubs 2024 season. (Photos by Liv Lyons)
For many, Barnes is synonymous with Seattle Reign, and has long been the glue holding the club together through various challenges, changes, and championship runs. Barnes’ veteran presence on the field and important impact on the Seattle soccer community since she joined the Reign will continue to leave a lasting legacy including through her ownership stake in USL W League club, Salmon Bay FC.
“I’m thrilled to sign a new contract with the Reign, a place that has been my home since I first joined the club in 2013. This club means so much to me – not just for what we’ve accomplished on the field but for the impact we’ve been able to make in the community. I’m proud to continue this journey with my teammates, our incredible fans and the city I love. Together, we’re building something special, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
The 35-year-old defender will enter the 2025 season joining veteran defender Jess Fishlock as the only other active NWSL player to play for the same club every season since the league’s first season in 2013. Barnes is a three-time NWSL Shield winner in 2014, 2015, and 2022, and was named NWSL Defender of the Year in 2016. She was also selected to the NWSL Best XI First Team in 2015 and 2016. Barnes additionally has significant NWSL playoff experience, and has led the club to the postseason in seven of 11 NWSL seasons featuring playoffs. She has played in three NWSL championships in 2014, 2015, and 2023.
Barnes has established deep ties to the Reign FC community around Seattle since 2013, and has made it a top priority to connect with fans. She has committed 1% of her salary toward Common Goal to fund the nonprofit Football For Her, which provides safe spaces for female and nonbinary youth to play soccer. She is also involved in other sustainability-focused organizations such as Players for the Planet, which is a collective of professional athletes who aim to eliminate plastic and promote conservation. In 2022, Barnes was the club nominee for the Nationwide Community Impact Award for her dedication to the community through support of small businesses.
Seattle Reign FC defender and captain Lu Barnes during the clubs June 23rd, 2024 match against Racing Louisville FC at Lumen Field. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo)
Barnes has long been an important leader in the Reign back line, with consistent touches that build a threatening attack early on. She continues to provide a positive impact both on and off the field, and we are lucky to witness another Reign FC season with her at the helm.
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Check out our previous Seattle Reign FC articles here.
Check out our previous articles with writing at CSS by Becca Weinberg here, and her work with Lookout Landing here.
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