Lu Barnes Award presented by Paula's Choice Spotlight: Cassie Miller
In 2025, Seattle Reign FC, in partnership with Paula’s Choice Skincare, launched the Lu Barnes Award to honor the legacy of club legend Lu Barnes. Barnes played for the team from the inaugural 2013 NWSL season to the 2025 season before hanging up her boots. Though she may not be on the field anymore, Barnes defined what it meant to represent the Reign crest through a combination of world-class performance on the pitch, leadership, integrity and her impact in the community.
Barnes herself was honored with the inaugural award in 2025. And in 2026, the recognition continues to evolve. This season’s process began with Reign FC players and coaches voting for their top nominees, with Jess Fishlock, Phoebe McClernon and Cassie Miller garnering the most votes amongst their peers.
Cassie Miller’s nomination was a surprise to no one.
Commonly described by her teammates as someone who does everything with her whole heart, Miller’s impact on and off the pitch has been felt by the entire Reign FC squad – and beyond.
On the field this season, the goalkeeper has stepped up in critical moments for the Reign, immediately after returning to play from a season ending injury. She’s made four starts for the Reign, including the squad’s 2-0 win over their biggest rivals Portland Thorns FC, and has two clean sheets on the season.
"It’s always fun to get on the field but especially after the first serious injury of my career, it’s been extra special this season. It was really a grind with some low lows but getting back on the field and getting a win against Portland was insane. Being in that moment with that team was more special and so cool,” said Miller.
She’s one of four talented goalkeepers on Reign FC’s roster alongside Claudia Dickey, Evan O’Steen and Neeku Purcell. The combination of backgrounds and experiences in Reign FC’s goalkeeping group has fostered an environment for them to grow as individuals and teammates, as they all feel confident and comfortable sharing their opinions.
“I do feel like my role is a little bit like a mother here. I’m a little bit older than the other goalkeepers and I feel like I can kind of take care of everyone, in the best way. Which is an honor, because it’s a really incredible group with really talented youngsters.”
Off the field, Miller has made Seattle home, making it a priority to get involved in the community. She’s well known for her work with Nick of Time Foundation, an organization that brings cardiac screening and life-saving education to young athletes. Her work with Nick of Time has twice earned her a spot as Reign FC’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award nominee and she joined the NWSL's 2026 Nation of Lifesavers ambassador class.
“Nick of Time is really near and dear to my heart and the people in charge there are incredible.
Miller added “I feel like I’ve been able to go from the “new goalkeeper on the block” to someone fans know is really in the community, especially with Nick of Time Foundation. Every time someone asks me when the next event is, it feels really, really cool.”
Miller’s connection to the foundation is deeply personal, as she underwent open-heart surgery at two months old and an additional procedure during college. She first partnered with Nick of Time in 2025, and their collaboration has continued to reach news heights. Miller and the non-profit have hosted multiple events, including a heart health seminar and screening for Seattle Reign Academy players, as well as CPR training for players and families across the community.
“I didn’t even have to think about doing the Lauren Holiday Impact Award two years in a row, but I would have been working with Nick of Time regardless, you know? Doing work like this really is my purpose and I feel so grateful that I can use my platform as an NWSL player to bring attention to it.
“A lot of people don’t really talk about heart health or their stories, but I want to be the person to talk about it and get it bigger in the community. Not only are we making sports safer, but we are letting young athletes know that there are a lot of people with underlying heart conditions and you absolutely can still play sports and be successful.”
To learn more about the Lu Barnes Award, presented by Paula’s Choice and cast your vote now, visit https://www.reignfc.com/lu-barnes-award. The voting period ends on October 15 and just for voting, you will be entered for a chance to win four tickets with scarves to the November 1 match where the Lu Barnes Award, presented by Paula’s Choice winner will be recognized!
