Seattle Reign Captain Lauren Barnes To Retire At End Of 2025 NWSL Season
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
Seattle Reign captain Lauren Barnes has announced she will retire at the end of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, marking the close of a remarkable career that has spanned the league’s entire history.
More Details
A true club legend, Barnes is one of the Reign’s last remaining original members, having joined the team during the inaugural NWSL season in 2013.
“From day one, Seattle has been home,” the 13-year Reign veteran said in Monday’s statement.
“I’ve grown up here — as a player, a leader and a person. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and the culture we’ve created.”
Reign head coach Laura Harvey paid tribute to her long-time captain, describing Barnes as the soul of the club.
“Lu has been the heartbeat of this club since the very beginning,” Harvey said.
“She has been the glue that has held us together through the ups and the downs.”
Barnes’ retirement signals the end of an era for both Seattle and the league.
Read Also - 2024 In Review: USWNT Gold Feat, Orlando Pride, And Barbra Banda Year
The 35-year-old defender has been a model of consistency and leadership, earning multiple NWSL Best XI honors and representing the club in over 200 appearances — the most in Reign history.
She joins a growing list of NWSL veterans set to retire this year, including Kristen Hamilton (Kansas City Current), Ali Riley (Angel City FC), Morgan Gautrat (Orlando Pride), and her Reign teammate Veronica Latsko.
As Barnes prepares to hang up her boots, she leaves behind a lasting legacy of loyalty, resilience, and leadership — qualities that helped define both the Seattle Reign and the league itself.
Do you have story tips?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
