February 21, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
Rookie forward and first-round NWSL Draft pick Reilyn Turner signed her first professional contract, a three-year deal with Racing Louisville FC that runs through the 2026 season, the club announced Wednesday.
Racing selected Turner, a 21-year-old collegiate All-American and national champion, with the sixth overall pick in the NWSL Draft after a decorated career at UCLA and regular appearances with the U.S. Youth National Team at various levels.
“We believe Reilyn’s ceiling is incredibly high, and we are so excited she has signed,” said Racing coach Bev Yanez. “She constantly puts herself in positions to create opportunities on goal and works hard to ensure she is effective on both sides of the ball. She is immersing herself quickly within the group to understand the different roles positionally. I’m excited she will be in lavender this season!”
“We are excited to welcome Reilyn to Louisville, where we believe she will leave an indelible mark for years to come,” Racing general manager Ryan Dell said. “Her exceptional talent was evident during the draft process and has continued to shine in preseason. Reilyn is a promising attacking player who will undoubtedly elevate Racing with her growth and contributions.”
“I’m beyond excited and grateful to start my professional career here at Racing Louisville,” Turner said. “I’m ready to get after it, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the world this upcoming season. Hope to see you all at Lynn Family Stadium soon. Go Racing!”
A four-year starter at UCLA, Turner was a four-time All-Pac-12 selection, the 2020 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a 2023 All-American, helping the Bruins win a national championship in 2022. She was the 2022 College Cup’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player after scoring the game-winner against Alabama in the semifinal and a dramatic equalizer with 16 seconds left in the national title game.
After setting a new career mark with six assists her senior year to go with 10 goals, Turner became the first player in UCLA’s rich program history to be named the Pac-12 Forward of the Year. She scored double-digit goals in each of her seasons in Los Angeles, amassing 42 goals, 16 game-winners and seven multi-goal games, all of which rank fifth in UCLA program history. She tallied 16 career assists.
Turner finished her college career ranking sixth in program…