Seattle Reign announced two moves on Wednesday to prepare their roster for the second half of the 2025 NWSL season and make space for returning players and new signings.
In the first move, defender Julia Lester has been loaned to Sporting JAX of the USL Super League for the remainder of 2025.
“Julia will head home to Florida on loan for the rest of the 2025 season, giving her valuable match minutes at this stage of her development,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore in a team release. “While opportunities here have been limited, we know the quality she brings as a smart, fast defender. We’re proud of her and look forward to seeing her grow.”
The Tampa native has been with the Reign since a three-club trade involving Gotham FC and Racing Louisville ahead of the 2024 season, which saw Sam Hiatt head to New Jersey. She has seen limited playing time with the Reign, starting four matches and making seven appearances in all competitions in 2024 and not appearing in any games so far this season. She is due to be a free agent at the end of 2025.
In the second move of the day, midfielder Olivia van der Jagt was loaned to Spokane Zephyr of the USL Super League, also for the remainder of 2025. Van der Jagt is under contract with the Reign through the 2026 NWSL season.
“Olo has made a strong impact at our club since joining the Reign in 2022,” said Gallimore in a team release. “This loan to Spokane Zephyr gives her the chance for important match minutes in a competitive environment. She’s excited for what’s next, and we’re confident this move will benefit everyone.”
After being drafted by the Reign ahead of the 2022 season, Van der Jagt earned consistent minutes in her rookie and sophomore seasons, but missed a portion of the 2024 season for personal reasons and has struggled for playing time this year, registering just three substitute appearances late in matches so far in 2025.
These moves were necessary to make space on the active roster for the return of Sofia Huerta from loan to France and for Ryanne Brown to return from the long-term injury list after recovering from an ACL injury suffered last summer. The club can have a maximum of 26 active players when the NWSL season resumes in August.
