Building a Legacy: Lauren Barnes Returns for the 2025 Season
Over the past 13 years, Lauren Barnes has become synonymous with Seattle Reign FC.
Barnes first burst onto the scene as a rookie during the NWSL’s inaugural season in 2013, starting 22 matches and playing the full 90 minutes in all but three. She enters the 2025 season as one of the most decorated defenders in league history following her one-year contract extension on Monday.
Barnes will have an opportunity this season to continue building her indelible legacy with Reign FC. A tenacious, cerebral defender, she holds NWSL records for games played (232), games started (224) and minutes played (19,795).
“A big focus for me as a veteran with a lot of minutes under my belt is to stay healthy and be available to impact the team in any way possible,” said Barnes. “I’m hoping to come in and compete and play a lot of minutes. But I also want to bring in my experience and standards for the young team that we do have now, which is so much fun to be around.”
Throughout her tenure in Seattle, Barnes has earned her reputation as one of the premier defensive players in North America. In addition to winning NWSL Defender of the Year in 2016, she has been named to the league’s Best XI First Team twice, and the Best XI Second Team on two other occasions.
But it’s the relationships that Barnes has formed during her time in Seattle that have been the most impactful on her life.
“I think the family I’ve been able to create here and call home has been really special,” she said. “Honestly, the big moments winning Shields [stick with you], but it’s all of the little things in between that I really love that have kept me coming back.”
As an inaugural member of the Reign, Barnes has been a cornerstone of every era of success for the club. She was a key contributor as the team won the Shield in 2014, 2015 and 2022, and was a vital piece as they reached the NWSL Championship match on three occasions.
While the Reign are coming off a frustrating campaign in 2024, Barnes is eager to help the squad reach the lofty standard they’ve set for themselves since 2013.
“I think for everyone in Seattle, especially in our locker room, we’re disappointed from last year,” said Barnes. “We fell short and it’s definitely not where we wanted to be. I think we’re super hungry and super motivated this year to quiet the noise around us… I think there’s a lot of potential for the Reign as a team to be so much more than what we are and what we have been in the past.”
Barnes is one of just two active NWSL players to play for the same club since the league’s inaugural season, with the other being her teammate and best friend, Jess Fishlock. Their shared journey has created an unbreakable bond that will last long after their playing careers.
“She’s going to be my family forever, and I couldn’t see myself doing it alone or with anyone else,” said Barnes. “It’s been great. We’ve had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows together, and I think when you get to share that with someone, it really bonds you at a deeper level. I love her. She’s been a mentor for me, she’s been my best friend, and she continues to push me to be my best self on and off the field.”
Much like her connection with Fishlock, Barnes is extremely grateful for the tutelage and mentorship of Head Coach Laura Harvey, who drafted her to the Reign back in 2013.
It was Harvey who converted her from outside back to center back, which Barnes cites as altering the trajectory of her NWSL career. Across Harvey’s two stints as manager of Reign FC (2013-17 and 2021-present), she has challenged Barnes to grow into a leadership role, stepping out of her comfort zone to be more vocal and influential.
“She’s a manager first, but she’s also a friend and family,” added Barnes. “I value her so much and her opinions, and what she wants to make out of this club. I fully back her, and she does the same for me and the team. I think that’s why our bond has been so special over the years, and why I trust and love her so much.”
As the team prepares for the 2025 campaign, the roster is filled with exciting young talents like Ainsley McCammon (17), Emeri Adames (18), Jordyn Bugg (18) and Maddie Dahlien (20). Barnes, who is extremely proud of the growth of the organization throughout her tenure in Seattle, is energized by the prospect of helping develop the next generation of Reign FC stars.
“I think a big part of my role this year is to just guide and help and be a mentor,” said Barnes. “It’s something I really love and it’s fulfilling for me, and something I want to focus on this year.”