OL Reign Forward Bethany Balcer Signs Contract Extension

OL Reign today announced that it has re-signed forward Bethany Balcer to a three-year deal, with a club option for an additional year, which could extend Balcer’s time with the club through the 2025 season. Per league and club policy, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Bethany’s talent and tenacity has allowed her to exceed all expectations since her first day with the club. While she has consistently been one of the most impactful players in our squad and in the NWSL, we believe she has the opportunity and ability to achieve even more in her career,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “In extending her contract we are also making a commitment to support her development in any way she needs, and can be sure our collective efforts will see Bethany achieve her fullest potential with our club. Although Bethany had two years remaining on her prior deal, we wanted to make our belief in her potential clear and provide Bethany the certainty and security that comes with a long-term deal.”

Balcer had an outstanding 2021 season, finishing as OL Reign’s leading goal scorer and second in the NWSL Golden Boot race. She scored five goals with her head and four goals with her right foot for a total of nine goals on the season. The 24-year-old played in 24 games for a total of 1,210 minutes.

She earned two braces and made 14 key passes in the 24 games she played. Balcer was named the NWSL Player of the Week twice in 2021, in addition to being named Player of the Month once and to the NWSL Team of the Month once. Following the conclusion of the 2021 NWSL season, she was named the NWSL Second XI for her impressive season performance.

Balcer has been with the Reign since 2019, when she became the first player from a NAIA school to sign a NWSL contract. She was the only Reign player to appear in all 25 matches during the 2019 season. Her consistency, in addition to her six goals and two assists, earned her the title of 2019 NWSL Rookie of the Year. In 2020, she played in nine matches for the Reign, across the NWSL Challenge Cup and Fall Series, scoring three goals.

“Excited and humbled to extend my time with the Reign. I’ve enjoyed every moment being part of this club with incredible people and am looking forward to contributing to the success of this team,” said Balcer.