OL Reign Re-Signs Captain Lu Barnes Through 2024 Season
OL Reign has re-signed captain and original OL Reign player Lauren Barnes to a two-year contract, keeping the veteran on the roster through the 2024 NWSL season, the club announced today. Per league and club policy, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I care so deeply for this club, my coaches and teammates, this city and our fans, which is why there is no other place I would rather play,” said defender Lu Barnes. “For over a decade, we’ve built a special culture here that is hard to replicate elsewhere, and I’m committed to using my experience to help lead us towards our goals on the field and in the community that we proudly represent.”
Known as one of the most decorated players in NWSL history, the two-time NWSL Best XI First Team (2015-2016) and two-time NWSL Best XI Second Team (2014, 2019) selection leads the league in appearances (189), starts (185) and minutes played (16,369) – nearly 1,000 more minutes than the second-most player – becoming the first player in NWSL history to reach the milestone of 15,000 minutes played. Equally impressive, the veteran is just one of 10 players to make at least one appearance in every NWSL season and is one of just five players to have been with the same club every year since 2013.
Entering her 11th NWSL season, Barnes is coming off another successful performance in 2022. Starting in all 19 games played, the Upland, California native recorded 37 clearances, 33 interceptions, 21 corners and five blocks. Additionally, the defender ranked second on the team in starts, corners and interceptions. The Reign also ended the season with the fewest goals allowed (19) and tied for the most clean sheets (nine).
In addition to her on-field success, the 33-year-old has represented the club as a captain and uses her leadership skills beyond the field to create a unique team culture that prioritizes the importance of serving communities in the local area and enhancing the team’s sustainability efforts. Barnes also spends her time actively helping with OL Reign Academy to inspire, educate and support the next generation of athletes.
“Lu has been an integral part of building the Reign’s culture and values for over a decade and has played an instrumental role from the very beginning,” said head coach Laura Harvey. “What Lu brings on and off the field, has allowed our club to grow tremendously towards the level we’ve envisioned. Her ability to play consistently at the highest level for over 10 seasons shows her true value and capabilities that she brings to this team. I am very happy we were able to keep Lu at the club for another two years.”