SEATTLE, WA. – Seattle Reign FC announced today that they have signed defender Lauren Barnes to a new one-year contract, welcoming back the free agent for her 13th year with the club. Barnes, 35, is a three-time NWSL Shield winner and holds the record for the most games played in the league’s history, with 232 appearances since 2013.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Lu Barnes back to the Reign this season,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “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.”
Barnes was the first player in league history to reach 200 games played. She has started 224 games and played a total of 19,795 minutes, making her an integral part of the team. Alongside teammate Jess Fishlock, Barnes is one of the only active NWSL players to have stayed with the same club throughout every season since the league’s inception in 2013.
“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,” said Barnes. “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.”
Barnes has been a fixture in the NWSL playoffs, leading the club to the postseason in seven of the league’s 11 seasons featuring playoffs. She has played in three NWSL Championships (2014, 2015, 2023) and is tied for the seventh-most playoff games played (11) across the league. Notably, she is the only player in NWSL history to have played at least 20 games in each of the league’s first 11 seasons (including playoffs).
As a Reign FC captain, Barnes is a three-time NWSL Shield winner (2014, 2015, 2022) and earned the NWSL Defender of the Year honor in 2016, becoming just the second player in league history to win the award. Barnes has also been selected to the NWSL Best XI First Team twice (2015, 2016) and Second Team twice (2014, 2019).
During the 2024 season, Barnes made 17 starts in 21 appearances, ranking fifth on the team. She finished second on the team in clearances (60) and passing accuracy (86%).
Since joining the Reign in 2013, Barnes has consistently focused on connecting with the community and making a positive impact throughout Seattle and beyond. In 2022, she was Reign FC’s nominee for the league’s most prestigious award, the Nationwide Community Impact Award – now known as the Lauren Holiday Impact Award – for her dedication to the community alongside Intentionalist, an organization committed to supporting small businesses and diverse local communities through intentional spending.
Barnes is involved with several other organizations off the pitch, focusing on promoting sustainability and growing the game. She has pledged 1% of her salary toward Common Goal to fund the growth and development of Football For Her, a California-based nonprofit providing safe spaces for youth who identify as female or nonbinary to play soccer. She also works with Players for the Planet, an organization of professional athletes striving to make a difference by eliminating plastic, creating recycling initiatives, and prioritizing conservation efforts.
The California native attended UCLA (2007-10), where she started in 95 of 97 games played and led the Bruins in assists as a junior and senior.
