Jimena López Excited to Grow with OL Reign

OL Reign’s most recent signing, Jimena López has arrived to Tacoma and settled in with the team. The Mexican international was signed to a three-year contract with OL Reign from SD Eibar on June 15, 2021. 

“I’m very excited, very blessed to be here. I’m excited to learn from all of these amazing players and just get the most out of the experience,” said López. “I’m most excited to have the opportunity to just be with this team. I’m looking forward to learning and playing here.” 

Before joining OL Reign, the 22-year-old played in 16 matches for Eibar in the Spanish Primera División. She played a total of 1,361 minutes and scored one goal for the club. 

“I think that playing in the NWSL is going to be different and challenging for sure. It’s a very physical league. My fitness and physicality are going to grow a lot while being here. Once I get adapted to that, I think it is going to go really well,” said the Texas A&M graduate. 

López made her NWSL debut for OL Reign on July 24, when the Reign picked up three points in their first ever win at Exploria Stadium in Orlando. She came on as a substitute for Sofia Huerta in stoppage time. 

Since arriving in Tacoma, López has had the chance to get out and experience a bit of what Tacoma has to offer but wants to get out and see more when she has the chance. “I have seen just a little bit of the area so far. I went to Ruston Point to walk around there and had some ice cream. It was pretty cool!” 

López reiterated her excitement to be with the team, especially after her first few trainings and debut. “The practices have gone really well. Everyone has been super nice to me. They have received me so well and I’m just so happy to be here.” 

López made her senior national team debut with Mexico on February 27, 2019, in a friendly against Italy. Since then, she has played against several of her new OL Reign teammates on the international stage. For the defender, it is an incredible opportunity to get to play alongside these players, rather than against them. 

“I am excited to play with the U.S. players and Momiki because they are so challenging on the field. When we played against Japan, Momiki was very, very good so I am especially excited to play with her instead of against her.” 

One of the most exciting prospects for the defender is getting to embrace the OL Reign fans and intense atmosphere that the NWSL guarantees. 

“I’m super excited to get in front of the fans. I’m happy that COVID-19 restrictions have progressed here, and fans are allowed to come to games to support the team. I’m looking forward to when I get to play and perform well in front of the fans.”