OL Reign Acquires Rights to Tobin Heath in Trade with Racing Louisville FC
OL Reign today announced that it has acquired the playing rights to forward Tobin Heath from Racing Louisville FC, signing her for the remainder of the 2022 season with the option to extend it through 2023. In exchange, OL Reign has traded its 2nd round pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, which was acquired from Angel City FC, in addition to its natural 4th round pick and $50,000 in Allocation Money. Heath will officially join OL Reign the week of Monday, June 20th.
“This is a very special time for our club as we add another excellent player to our squad. Tobin has an incredible mindset and a rich history in the NWSL, and has a proven ability to change the game,” said OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey. “Tobin’s ability to create and finish chances adds something unique, that I believe will help elevate our group. Tobin’s experience playing in the league will be a valuable asset for our group.”
Heath joins the Reign with a history of a success, most recently playing for Arsenal and helping the club finish second in the Women’s Super League in England during the 2021-22 season in her nine appearances and three starts, tallying two goals and one assist. Prior to joining Arsenal, Heath spent one season with Manchester United, starting in seven of eight appearances and notching four goals and two assists.
“Couldn’t be more thrilled to play alongside the world class players here, for Laura Harvey as my coach, and in front of the amazing community of supporters,” said Heath. “We’re all eager to win a title, and I’m hopeful I can help OL Reign achieve that goal.”
The 34-year-old was a member of Portland Thorns FC during the inaugural NWSL season in 2013 and played with them for seven consecutive seasons through 2019. Heath played in 70 games and made 63 starts for the Thorns, tallying 12 goals and 24 assists. Her 24 assists are tied for fourth all-time in NWSL history and in 2016, she set the record for most assists in a season with 10.
The experienced veteran was named to the NWSL Best XI in three of her seven seasons with the Thorns (2016, 2018, and 2019) and helped the club win two NWSL Championship titles (2013 and 2017). Heath was named the first-ever NWSL Championship game Most Valuable Player for her performance in the inaugural final.
In addition to her success in club play, the Morristown, N.J., native has also represented the United States Women’s National Team from 2008 to 2021, appearing in 181 matches with 111 starts. Heath has 36 goals and 42 assists in her international appearances, which ranks 16th all-time and tied for 13th all-time, respectively. Heath is one of 22 players to surpass 10,000 minutes played for the USWNT and ranks 17th all-time in appearances and 22nd all-time in starts.
The two-time NWSL champion has appeared in four Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020), winning gold in 2008 and 2012. Additionally, the gold medalist appeared in three World Cups (2011, 2015, and 2019), helping the USWNT win two consecutive World Cups (2015 and 2019).