Lilly Reale dribbles past an opponent, while playing for UCLA. (UCLA Athletics)
Last summer, the National Women’s Soccer League and the NWSL Players Association agreed to a historic new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
One major element of the agreement was that it granted players unprecedented choice and control over where they play, and eliminated the NWSL draft. Thus, incoming rookie players are free to sign to play with whomever they choose.
One of the most sought-after rookies for the 2025 season was undoubtedly Hingham, Mass. native and former UCLA star Lilly Reale. But for the dynamic 5-foot-9 defender, the choice for where she wanted to begin her professional soccer career was an easy one.
