Seattle Reign extend Julia Lester through 2025

Seattle Reign FC announced Wednesday that they have agreed to a contract extension with defender Julia Lester through the 2025 season. 

“I was so excited to join Seattle this past offseason and am even more thrilled to extend my time here,” said Lester in a team release. “Although I’ve only been with the team for a few months, it’s been an amazing experience playing with and learning from my teammates. I can’t wait to spend more time here and build a relationship with our supporters and community.”

The Reign acquired Lester from Racing Louisville on January 24th as part of a three team trade that sent Sam Hiatt to Gotham FC. Though she has yet to take the field for the Seattle side during the NWSL season, she played in the club’s preseason wins against Costa Rica women's national team and UW. 

“Julia Lester has been a fantastic addition to the club. Her calm and consistent demeanor, coupled with her pace and defensive ability, make her a great fit for our team,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore in a release. “Julia has quickly fit into the squad and we are really pleased to extend her contract through 2025.”

The defender played 33 games in her first two NWSL seasons for Louisville, alternating between center back and outside back. She recorded 81 clearances, 42 interceptions and 22 blocks. She averaged an 85.2% pass success rate through the 2023 season. 

Prior to her stint with Racing, Lester played two seasons at Apollon Limassol Ladies in Cyprus, where she captained the side and won two titles under former Louisville head coach Kim Björkegren. 

A Tampa native, Lester played her college career at the University of Florida, where she was an All-SEC and All-Region selection in 2019.