OL Reign Sign Jimena López Through 2023 Season

OL Reign has signed Mexican international Jimena López to a three-year contract after reaching agreement with SD Eibar on a permanent transfer of the player. The contract includes a club option for the 2024 NWSL season.

López was selected by OL Reign with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NWSL College Draft, but the defender elected to start her professional career with Spanish side SD Eibar in the Spanish Primera División.

"Jimena is a tremendous player who will make an impact with our club this season,” said OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti. “Her decision to sign and play in Spain shows her ambition and her desire to be the best she can be. She gained valuable experience playing many matches with Eibar, which will help her make a positive transition to the NWSL.”

During her time in Spain, the 22-year-old started and played in 16 matches for Eibar, accumulating 1,361 minutes while notching one goal for the club.

Prior to her professional career, López played for Texas A&M, where she was named 2019 SEC Midfielder of the Year and 2020 Co-Defender of the Year. The Mexico City native was a two-time All-SEC First Team selection for the Aggies, amassing 70 appearances, 17 goals, and 23 assists in four years in College Station.

Internationally, López has represented Mexico at the U-15, U-17, and U-20 levels, including the 2014 Youth Summer Olympics, the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. She was also an integral member of Mexico’s U-20 squad that took home the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship.

López made her Mexico senior national team debut on February 27, 2019 in a friendly against Italy. Since making her debut with the senior team, López has scored two goals in 23 appearances, including 21 starts.