Reyna Reyes Makes NWSL History with Contract Extension

On September 22, Reyna Reyes, a defender for the Portland Thorns, achieved a significant milestone by extending her contract through 2030, marking a first in NWSL history.

Since being drafted as the fifth overall pick in 2023, Reyes has emerged as one of the top fullbacks in the league, prompting Portland to secure her with a long-term deal.

“This contract extension reflects my confidence in the (Thorns’) future and the trust the club has in me,” Reyes expressed. “Playing in front of our dedicated fans in Portland is just as thrilling as watching our team thrive.”

For her mother, Carrie Reyes, who has always been Reyna’s greatest supporter, this future was one she anticipated for a long time.

“I’m glad they finally recognize what I’ve known all along,” Carrie said. “She’s truly deserving of this investment. I’m so thankful that the Thorns believed in her and made her feel at home, especially being so far from where she grew up.”

Carrie reflects on the moment she first saw Reyna kick a soccer ball at just nine months old during her brother Alex’s game. It was then that she knew she wanted to introduce her daughter to the sport. At three years old, Reyna joined a local YMCA team.

From that point on, everything snowballed. Reyna was unmistakably talented. Carrie recalls how her daughter patiently awaited the ball to free up near the goal instead of rushing after it with the group.

“I think she just has a natural gift,” Carrie noted. “It feels like it was given to her by God.”

The saying “It takes a village” resonates strongly with the Reyes family. They dedicated themselves to Reyna and Alex’s athletic pursuits, often going full throttle from dawn till dusk.

“After work, it was all about making sure the kids ate and got to practice,” Carrie shared. “Then it was back to homework and bedtime. Honestly, it was chaotic. Any parent would understand that.”

When Reyna was invited to play for the Mexican youth national team, Carrie was determined to do everything she could to support her daughter’s aspirations.

“It was quite the effort, getting all the necessary documents for her dual citizenship,” Carrie explained. “I was ready to go all in because Reyna expressed her dream of playing in the World Cup.”

At age 14, Reyna attended her first camp for the Mexican youth women’s national team and soon played in the 2016 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Jordan.

Now 16, while also a senior at Naaman Forest High School in Texas, Reyna participated in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay for the second consecutive year, helping Mexico reach the finals—her most significant achievement yet.

As Reyna followed her dreams in South America, her mother was often in the stands, feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

“It’s nerve-wracking sending my 15-year-old daughter to another country,” Carrie said. “Her first big tournament was in Grenada, and just two days prior, she had turned 15. I’ve traveled a lot because of her, going to places like Jordan, and these experiences have led to her rapid growth as a player.”

Despite her success, Reyna quickly figured out that pursuing her dreams required sacrifices. One of the first harsh realities was missing out on her high school graduation and prom, all while playing collegiate soccer in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Following a stellar college career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Reyna was drafted fifth overall by the Portland Thorns, the reigning NWSL champions. She joined a strong defensive lineup that includes USWNT legends.

As of 2025, Reyna has taken on a leadership role within the Thorns and, with her contract extension, has become a critical part of the team’s future.

Aiming to represent her country in the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, it’s evident that Carrie will always be there, supporting her daughter enthusiastically.

“Seeing her turn dreams into reality fills me with joy—it’s the most a mother could wish for,” Carrie reflected. “I just want her to be even better than I ever was, to see her reach her hopes and dreams.”

To Reyna, her mother is more than just a supporter. Carrie embodies every parent’s desire to see their children fulfill their dreams.

“My mom means everything to me,” Reyna said. “She’s stood by me from the start, through the highs and lows. She’s my biggest fan, along with my dad and grandparents.”