Seattle Reign FC Signs Midfielder Kelsey Branson as National Team Replacement Player

Former University of Washington standout signs through September 27 after spending the several weeks training with Reign FC as a non-roster invitee; Branson 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 in Poland

Seattle Reign FC today announced the signing of midfielder Kelsey Branson as a National Team Replacement Player through September 27, 2026. The former University of Washington standout has spent the past month training with Reign FC as a non-roster invitee and joins the roster while forward Emeri Adames, midfielder Ainsley McCammon and goalkeeper Evan O’Steen represent the United States at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Branson joins Seattle following a decorated four-year career at the University of Washington, where she developed into a consistent presence in the midfield for the Huskies. The San Diego native 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.

Branson appeared in 81 matches during her four seasons at Washington, including 72 starts, recording 16 goals and 13 assists. As a senior in 2025, she started all 25 matches and recorded five goals and three assists, helping Washington capture the Big Ten regular season championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals for the first time since 2010. Branson also earned United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region recognition and Academic All-Big Ten honors during her final season. As a freshman in 2022, she earned Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors after recording five goals and four assists.

Prior to Washington, Branson attended Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego and played club soccer for San Diego Surf.