Seattle Reign has signed midfielder Kelsey Branson as a National Team Replacement Player through September 27, 2026, the team announced on Wednesday. The former University of Washington midfielder has spent the past month training with the Reign as a non-roster invitee and joins the roster while Emeri Adames, Ainsley McCammon, and Evan O’Steen represent the United States at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Steve Voght
Branson spent time with the Kansas City Current earlier this year, signing a short-term contract from March 21-April 20 as an injury replacement player. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder played 58 minutes in her lone start for Kansas City, a 3-0 loss to the Reign during which she completed 20/29 passes and recorded two tackles and two interceptions.
The NWSL allows clubs to sign short-term players as injury replacements or to cover for national team absences. Branson was presumably signed as a backup in the midfield in McCammon's absence. Combined with Sam Meza and Jess Fishlock expected to return this weekend, the Reign should have plenty of options in the midfield once again. Forward Ruby Hladek previously extended her short-term contract through August 2026 and may be extended again to serve as another forward option in Adames' absence.
Branson joins the Reign following a four-year career at the University of Washington, where she started every match during her final three seasons and concluded her senior campaign with Third Team All-Big Ten and United Soccer Coaches Fourth Team All-North Region honors. Across her four seasons, Branson appeared in 81 matches, recording 16 goals and 13 assists. As a senior in 2025, her five goals and three assists helped Washington capture the Big Ten championship and advance to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time since 2010. Branson played every minute during the team's tournament run.
Branson attended Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego and played club soccer for San Diego Surf.
