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Racing Signs Top Draft Pick Reilyn Turner to First Pro Deal

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 history in total points, just ahead of some of the biggest names to ever put on a UCLA jersey, including Mia Fishel, Jessie Fleming, Sam Mewis and Ashley Sanchez. She is one of only five UCLA players to record two hat tricks in one season (2022).

A natural goal scorer who can play anywhere along the attacking front, Turner attended 20 camps through the U.S. Youth National Team system, including a spot on the U.S. U-23 team at the 2023 Portland Thorns preseason tournament, where she scored against Racing in a friendly. She was part of the U.S.'s 2018 Concacaf U-17 Championship roster, scoring twice at the tournament.

Before college, Turner won four national championships in the Elite Clubs National League, the highest youth club level in the U.S.

Turner is the first of Racing's four 2024 NWSL Draft picks to sign with the club. She joins an attacking group that includes four players who competed at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup: Elexa Bahr (Colombia), Milly Clegg (New Zealand), Uchenna Kanu (Nigeria) and Linda Motlhalo (South Africa). Louisville also re-signed attackers Kirsten (Davis) Wright, Parker Goins and Maddie Pokorny to new deals.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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