8 / BETHANY BALCER

PRONOUNS: She/Her

POSITION: Forward

HEIGHT: 5-9

INTERNATIONAL: USA

HOMETOWN: Hudsonville, MI

DOB: March 7, 1997 (26 years old)

COLLEGE: Spring Arbor University

PREVIOUS CLUB: -

NWSL EXPERIENCE: 6 (6th Reign)

NWSL Stats

International stats

ACQUIRED: Signed with Seattle Reign FC on April 12, 2019, after going undrafted and joining the Reign as a non-roster invitee during the preseason.

TRANSACTIONS: On January 11, 2024, signed a contract extension with Seattle Reign FC through the 2025 season.

PROFESSIONAL (NWSL)

Entering her sixth year, Balcer has totaled 117 appearances for the club across all NWSL competitions, the fifth-most NWSL appearances in Reign history...In regular season play since 2019, Balcer leads the club in games played (88), goals (28), shots (163) and shots on target (78)...Has the fourth-most goals in the NWSL since 2019 and her 28 goals rank fourth in club history...Led the team in scoring every season since 2019...As an undrafted rookie in 2019, was named NWSL Rookie of the Year...Became the first player from an NAIA school to sign a contract in the NWSL.

2023 • SEA • 22/19 (3/0)

Appeared in all 22 regular season games (19 starts), helping the club finish as the fourth overall seed...Recorded six goals and 31 shots to lead the team in both categories, adding one assist...Only player in the league to record two braces (vs. CHI, 4/22 and at SD, 6/24)...Joined captain Lauren Barnes as the only other player to appear in every game between the regular season and playoffs...Played in all three playoff matches, coming in early as a sub in the Championship and recording an assist after forward Megan Rapinoe exited with an injury.

2022 • SEA • 19/16 (1/1)

Started in 16 of 19 games played for a total of 1,362 minutes...Tallied seven goals, which was tied for the most on the team...Added one assist and 38 total shots (18 on target).

2021 • SEA • 23/13 (1/0)

Tied for the most appearances on the team with 23, making 13 starts...Led the club in goals for the second consecutive year with nine, which ranked second in the league... Had 39 shots, with 22 on target...Totaled 1,186 minutes played.

2019 • SEA • 24/19 (1/1)

Was named 2019 NWSL Rookie of the Year...As an undrafted rookie, was the only Reign player to appear in all 24 regular season games (19 starts)...Totaled 1,700 minutes...Led the team in goals with six, adding two assists and 55 shots (23 on target).

INTERNATIONAL (USA): Made her international debut on November 26, 2021 against Australia...Received her first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team in December 2019....Was a United States youth international at the U-23 level.

SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY (2015-2018): Finished her career with a school record 129 goals, which ranks fifth all-time in NAIA history…Started in 97 of 98 matches played all-time…Helped the Cougars win their first-ever NAIA national title in 2015 and won a second national title in 2017...Named the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Player of the Year in 2018, 2017 and 2015, becoming the first player to ever win the award three times…Set a program record for goals in a season in 2017 as a junior when she tallied 37 goals…Was the program’s first-ever NAIA All-American First Team selection as a freshman in 2015 and went on to achieve the selection all four years.

YOUTH: Balcer attended Unity Christian High School, where she was a multi-sport athlete (soccer and basketball) and involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including student council.

HALL OF FAME: In January 2024, Balcer was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Spring Arbor University.

BETHANY BALCER PRO CAMP: During the offseason, Balcer hosts her own pro camp through the Michigan Futbol Academy (MFA) where she leads technical training for all youth participants and has a Q&A session to inspire and educate the next generation.

CONCUSSION HEADBAND: Balcer has become an advocate for concussion safety in soccer. The forward is often seen wearing a headband while she’s playing, which first began when she was growing up, to protect her from any potential concussions on the field. In exchange for wearing the headband, Balcer has gained more confidence when heading the ball knowing that her risk of a potential head injury is much lower.