Inspiring the next generation: How Sofia Huerta and Sofia Cedeño met long before they shared the pitch
The National Women’s Soccer League has taken great strides since its inaugural season in 2013. That progress has been fueled by a generation of veteran players who worked tirelessly for years to carve out a brighter future for the women’s professional game.
Reign FC team captain Sofia Huerta – an outspoken leader and catalyst for the league’s growth – is no stranger to the transformation the NWSL landscape has undergone. Through every obstacle along the way, Huerta has felt called to be a leader that could inspire the next generation of NWSL players.
As the Reign’s roster has expanded to add a core group of new young players into the mix, Huerta has embraced an expanded leadership role. She’s seen that impact firsthand – in more ways than one.
Ahead of the 2026 season, the Reign signed midfielder Sofia Cedeño, who shares a unique and inspiring connection with Huerta.
Prior to joining Seattle in 2020, Huerta played for the Houston Dash, where she was a key contributor to the squad in two back-to-back seasons. At the time, Cedeño was also in Houston, but as a fan in the stands.
The two snapped a photo together after the match. Flash forward roughly seven years and the two are teammates, playing professionally side-by-side.
“I wanted to be a professional soccer player as soon as I was going to the NWSL games. The thought of playing and doing it for a living... It's just like it's a dream come true,” said Cedeño.
She explained, “I was living in Houston at the time and I decided to go with my friend to the Houston Dash game. After the game I took a picture and it happened to be with Sof. She's just a legend – a great person, a great soccer player.”
There’s no denying that going from fan to teammate is a surreal moment, but it’s extra special for Huerta, as a 12-year league veteran as well.
“It's obviously such a full circle moment that, you know, Sof was a fan in the stands and a fan of mine took a picture with me and now we're in the same training environment. I think that's one of the best things about being a pro soccer player. I also get to influence a younger generation just like the older generation did for me,” said Huerta.
As a founding club in the NWSL, Reign FC strives to remove barriers for families and young fans to be a part of the game. This season, the club launched a new Kids 12 & Under Free program, that allows children ages 12 and under to attend select Reign FC matches at no cost, with the purchase of one adult ticket.
“I just hope that they could be inspired like I was one day. Just maybe I get to take a picture with them and it turns out like me and Sof we’re on the field together. And I just hope they get inspired to come out and want to play,” said Cedeño.
Seattle has one more road match this Saturday, August 1 before heading back home to Lumen Field to take on Angel City FC in the club’s Rise Together Match. This match marks the next opportunity for fans to take advantage of the Kids 12 & Under Free program and introduce the next generation of Reign fans to their new role models.
