OL Reign Inks Deal with UCLA Grad Olivia Athens

OL Reign has signed midfielder Olivia Athens to a one-year deal, with a one-year option, the club announced today. Per league and club policy, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Athens was eligible for the 2021 NWSL Draft but went undrafted, which made her playing rights available via the Discovery Process.

“Olivia is a valuable addition to the team,” said head coach Laura Harvey. “She knows how to compete in big games, and we are really looking forward to seeing her development on the field.”

Athens is a hardworking midfielder out of UCLA. During her college career she played 85 games for the Bruins, making 67 starts. She scored 12 goals and tallied 15 assists. In her final season at UCLA, she played and started in 19 matches and scored four goals throughout the season, including a game-winner winner to beat Arizona State in overtime and a game-winner against USC to help the Bruins capture their second consecutive Pac-12 title. Her performance on the field earned All-Pacific Region honors and Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors.

Originally form Atherton, California, Athens has played with the United States Women’s U-18 National Team, attending seven camps with the team. She also participated in the Six Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain with the U-18s in March 2016.

“What an honor to begin my professional career at OL Reign! I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from this incredible coaching staff and group of players and am humbled to get to be a part of this great club. Excited for this journey to begin,” said Athens.