OL Reign Academy’s Ruby Settle Makes an Impact in Match Against Thorns

Midfielder Ruby Settle, a 16-year-old standout with OL Reign Academy, featured in the matchday squad for OL Reign’s preseason scrimmage against Thorns FC at Providence Park in Portland on March 27.

Settle is described by OL Reign Academy Executive Director, Amy Griffin, as a “phenomenal player and great teammate,” who always shows up to practice early and plays to win. “She drives her own development and doesn’t expect other people to do it for her, which is why she continues to get better.”

Settle stands out on the field because there is genuinely no place she would rather be than on the field, tirelessly working to become the best player that she can be. Settle earns her spot on the pitch, coaching small group lessons and refereeing on weekends to help pay for her OL Reign Academy fees and fuel her passion.

This hard work paid off big time for Settle when she was recently called up to train with the first team and was subsequently added to the matchday roster for the scrimmage in Portland.

According to Griffin, OL Reign Academy players are always told “be ready for your moment” and the moment came for Settle in the 45th minute of OL Reign’s second preseason scrimmage with the Thorns. A ball got loose near the top of the box and came to Settle’s feet. Without hesitation, she confidently hit a shot on frame, scoring her first goal as part of the first team.

The OL Reign bench went wild celebrating Settle’s goal, showcasing the genuine relationship between OL Reign Academy and the club’s first team players.

First team midfielder Dani Weatherholt has nothing but good things to say about Settle. “I have loved having Ruby around this preseason. She is a talented young player with a bright future. My favorite memory of Ruby was watching her celebrate after she scored in our game against Portland. Hopefully it is the first of many to come.”

OL Reign first team forward Bethany Balcer, who spent some time coaching Settle before getting to play with her on the field in Portland, described Settle as a stud. “It’s been amazing to watch her develop over the last year, particularly while she was training with us. Over the last year I’ve become more involved with the Academy, so I get the joy and honor of coaching her sometimes during the week. She is something special. The future is so bright for her and the fact that she can keep up with the pros at her age speaks volumes to what she is capable of. She is a light on and off the field, and we are all very proud of her at the Reign.”

Beyond OL Reign Academy players getting called up to train and play with the first team, the first team players are consistently finding ways to get involved with the Academy. From coaching OL Reign Academy players, to virtually connecting with players, the first team is dedicated to helping Academy players find success. When the pandemic first started, Reign players Jess Fishlock and Lu Barnes were there to “pick up the pieces,” as Amy described it. Fishlock and Barnes hosted zoom calls with academy players, doing video analysis exercises using video of the mistakes they have made in professional matches to create learning experiences for youth players.

Young players at OL Reign Academy have a chance to learn from professional players who have put in the hard work to overcome the barriers that women in sports face. The comradery and connection between OL Reign Academy and the first team provides a unique and invaluable experience for female players in the Pacific Northwest.