Seattle Reign announced on Wednesday that the club has signed forward Maddie Dahlien to a three-year contract through the 2027 season. Dahlien, 20, spent three years at the University of North Carolina, where she scored seven goals and had 13 assists in 27 starts and 65 appearances.
Like the newly signed Emily Mason, Dahlien was named to the U.S. Women's National Team 24-player Futures Camp roster today. She'll join Reign players Mason, Jordyn Bugg, and Ainsley McCammon in the January camp.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Seattle Reign! It’s a club with a rich history of talented players and success,” said Dahlien in a team release. “I can’t wait to get to Seattle, begin my professional career and contribute to the team in any way I can.”
Dahlien is a speedy winger who likes to get to the end line and cross the ball or cut it back for her teammates. She had a breakout year for UNC and the U.S. youth national team in 2024. This past season, lining up on the left wing, Dahlien led UNC with seven assists. She also drew the foul on six of UNC's 10 penalties and was named to the ACC Third Team and ACC All-Tournament Team.
Five of Dahlien's assists from the 2024 NCAA season
Dahlien scored UNC's third goal in the NCAA semifinal against Duke, helping the Tar Heels win the national championship in 2024.
On the international stage, Dahlien joined Emeri Adames and Bugg in representing the U.S. in the 2024 U-20 Women's World Cup. She was a key part of the squad that earned a bronze medal in the tournament. Often used as an impact sub, Dahlien played in all seven matches. She scored two goals in group stage play, notched the game-tying assist against Germany in a truly epic come-from-behind quarterfinal win, and forced the game-winning own goal against the Netherlands in the bronze-medal match.
The equalizer from Sentnor!! #U20WYNT
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) September 16, 2024
🎥 » @TelemundoSports
pic.twitter.com/g0RjyH1Da5
Dahlien also helped the Americans qualify for the U-20 World Cup at the U-20 Concacaf Championships. She played in four games and recorded a hat trick in her first-ever international match.
“We’re proud to bring recent NCAA Champion Maddie Dahlien to the Reign,” said Reign General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “Maddie’s relentless work ethic, competitive spirit and growth mindset align perfectly with the values of our club. Her speed and tenacity make her a dynamic threat in attack, while her ability to press defensively adds another dimension to her game. Maddie’s ambition and determination are inspiring, and we’re excited for our fans to follow her journey with the Reign.”
Prior to her career at UNC, the forward was named the 2021-22 Minneapolis Star Tribune Female Athlete of the Year and voted Minnesota Ms. Soccer, in addition to making the United Soccer Coaches All-America Team. She concluded her prep soccer career with 92 goals and 43 assists, and she scored 37 goals and had 14 assists in her senior year of high school.
Dahlien was also a decorated track star. She was second in the state championships in the 100, 200, and 400 meter dash as a freshman; swept the 100, 200, and 400 as a junior; and won the 200 and long jump as a senior while also coming second in the 100 and 400.
