OL Reign Re-Signs Midfielder Nikki Stanton Through 2023 Season

OL Reign has re-signed midfielder Nikki Stanton through the 2023 NWSL season, the club announced today. Per league and club policy, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

“I’m grateful to be back for another season in the Pacific Northwest! It makes me so happy to be able to play within this incredible team culture and in front of my family and friends. The entire team heard how loud Lumen can get, and we’re ready to keep that energy going into 2023. See you all at Lumen!”

The North Bend native made an immediate impact on the Reign’s roster in 2022 when she scored in just the second minute of her first start for the club during the Challenge Cup, helping lead the Reign to a 3-1 victory in its first-ever match against San Diego Wave FC.

In her first season with OL Reign, Stanton appeared in 13 regular season games (three starts) and came on as a substitute during the semifinal. The 32-year-old registered 107 successful passes, 34 duels won and 10 interceptions in 400 minutes played throughout the regular season. Additionally, Stanton was tied for eighth on the team in tackles won (16).

The veteran midfielder, who entered the league in 2014, reached the milestone of 100 NWSL regular season appearances against the Houston Dash on August 7 and has played in 106 regular season games (51 starts) all-time.

OL Reign initially acquired Stanton in a trade with the Chicago Red Stars in December 2021.

“Nikki is a talented and experienced veteran who shows up every day with a positive attitude and a competitive spirit,” said OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey. “She’s a positive influence in our locker room, her ability to fit into the way we want to play has been a great addition to our roster and I'm excited for Nikki's future.”