
Seattle Reign FC Acquires Defender Julia Lester and Allocation Money in Three-Team Trade
January 24, 2024 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Seattle Reign FC News Release
SEATTLE, WA. - Seattle Reign FC has acquired defender Julia Lester and $20,000 in Allocation Money in a three-team trade involving NJ/NY Gotham FC and Racing Louisville FC, the club announced today. In exchange for Lester and $20,000 in Allocation Money, Seattle traded defender Sam Hiatt to Gotham FC while Louisville received $60,000 in Allocation Money from Gotham FC.
Lester enters her third year in the NWSL, having spent her first two seasons with Racing at center back and outside back. Since entering the league in 2022, the 26-year-old has started in 30 of 33 games played, earning the fifth-most starts for the club. She also recorded 81 clearances, 42 interceptions and 22 blocks, the third-most on the team in each category. Adding to her defensive success, Lester joins the Reign with 88 duels won and a tackle success rate of 77.27%, tallying 34 tackles won.
Prior to entering the NWSL, Lester spent two seasons playing for Apollon Ladies F.C. of the Cypriot First Division, where she earned Best XI honors in 2021 and helped the club win back-to-back league titles.
The Tampa, Florida, native graduated from the University of Florida after making 69 starts in 86 appearances and recording three goals and five assists for the Gators. As a senior in 2019, Lester earned All-SEC and All-Southeast Region First Team selections.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from January 24, 2024
- Seattle Reign FC Announces 2024 NWSL Preseason Roster - Seattle Reign FC
- Angel City Football Club Acquires Japanese Goalkeeper Hannah Stambaugh - Angel City FC
- Portland Thorns FC Announce 2024 Preseason Roster - Portland Thorns FC
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- Kansas City Current Re-Sign Midfielder Desiree Scott Through 2024 - Kansas City Current
- Racing Louisville Announces Preseason Roster and Schedule - Racing Louisville FC
- Orlando Pride Signs Free Agent Simone Charley Through 2025 Season - Orlando Pride
- Gotham FC, Racing Louisville, and Seattle Reign Agree to Three-Way Trade; Gotham FC Acquires Defender Sam Hiatt - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Seattle Reign FC Acquires Defender Julia Lester and Allocation Money in Three-Team Trade - Seattle Reign FC
- Racing Louisville Acquires Allocation Money in Lester Trade - Racing Louisville FC
- Washington Spirit Announces Initial Preseason Roster - Washington Spirit
- North Carolina Courage Announces 2024 Preseason Training Camp - North Carolina Courage
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