“I want to make my mark on this league and I wanted to do it with Seattle Reign”: Nerilia Mondesir Cements Her Future in Seattle

Today, Reign FC midfielder Nerilia Mondesir exercised her mutual option to stay with the Reign through the 2027 NWSL season. The first Haitian-born player in NWSL history, Mondesir has already claimed her spot in league history, but she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Haiti's captain joined the Reign in the latter half of the 2024 NWSL season from Montpellier HSC of Division 1 Féminine and hit the ground running, as she played in all 10 remaining matches after joining the team in Seattle. She earned two starts in her first season and scored her very first NWSL goal in her ninth appearance for the team. The game-winner sealed Seattle’s 2-1 win over the Houston Dash, giving the team one final victory in a tumultuous season.

The 2025 season brought big strides for the attacker, who continued to develop her play and adjust unique pace and style of of the NWSL. She was one of just nine field players to appear in 20 or more regular-season matches and found her groove as she became a consistent performer for Seattle.

“I grew up mentally here and I got to know a new style of playing soccer. I really like this league and how we play,” shared Mondesir.

A large part of her evolution on the pitch stemmed from her ability to provide a valuable combination of pace and power. She fired off four shots and seven crosses throughout the season, in addition to making 14 tackles. A player guaranteed to keep the defense on their toes, Mondesir thrives in face-paced and physical matches, and found her dominance in pressuring the opposing team to shut down their play.

“I want to make my mark on this league and I wanted to do it with Seattle Reign,” she asserted.

In the last year, the Reign has found power in consistency and stability, making the environment ideal for players to develop their own game. For Mondesir, her hold-up play became a real asset to Seattle as the team fought to a fifth-place finish in the regular-season. Alongside players like Emeri Adames, Jordyn Huitema and Mia Fishel, the Reign’s frontline has become hard to breakthrough, elevating their game exponentially.

Beyond the pitch, Seattle has fostered a locker room culture that has allowed Mondesir to take unprecedented steps forward as a player and as a person. Supported by her teammates, she feels the growing group of leaders on the team contributed to her decision to extend her time in Seattle.

"The leadership of this group – I think it matters. This is my first time being on a team who has so much leadership.”

As the 2026 season quickly approaches, Mondesir and the Reign are moving through preseason with calmness and stability. Down in the warmer weather of Indio, California, the team is gearing up for the Coachella Valley Invitation and with that, a first test for the group in a preseason match against Angel City FC.

"I'm feeling good and I'm excited to start this new season. And I can't wait – it’s exciting.”

The team has lofty goals as their eyes are glued on the start of the 2026 season. The quarterfinal exit in 2025 was less than the team wanted, but as a group, the club made undeniable strides forward and gained invaluable experience that they will carry into 2026. One thing is certain as the season opener draws nearer – Mondesir, and the entire Reign team, are focused on a common goal – winning.

"I would like to start with winning games and being in the top five this season. I would love to do that.”