Phallon Tullis-Joyce on Her First Week Training with OL Reign

Last week, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce began training in Tacoma with OL Reign after arriving from France, where she played for Stade de Reims in the French Division 1 Féminine. OL Reign signed Tullis-Joyce back in April of this year on a deal through the 2022 NWSL season. 

Tullis-Joyce, a New York native and graduate of the University of Miami, has been fitting right in with the team here in Tacoma and is looking forward to getting to know the team more on and off the field, as well as exploring her new home. 

“My first week was great. I’m super excited to be here and for this amazing opportunity. The team and the staff have been great and really welcoming since I got here. I’ve only had a chance to see the city of Tacoma little bit so far. I got to walk around a bit but I’m looking forward to seeing more of Tacoma and Seattle in the future.” 

She joined Stade de Reims for their 2019/2020 season, where she became their go-to goalkeeper. In her time with Stade de Reims, she started and played in 38 matches. Most recently, she was nominated for the Best Goalkeeper Award in D1 Arkema Trophies, alongside Mylène Chavas and Christiane Endler. Moving from one league to another can be challenging but Tullis-Joyce is excited to take on that challenge. 

“It will definitely be a challenge to play with a new team in a new league, as starting with any new team is a challenge, said Tullis-Joyce. “The first two weeks you get used to the speed and the intensity of the players there, but both the NWSL and French League are super strong so that’s really good. I’m really excited to be playing against these talented players. Playing against these superstars as well as with these superstars here at the Reign as well is an exciting opportunity.” 

In France, Tullis-Joyce played against some of her new OL Reign teammates, like Alana Cook who played for Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Sarah Bouhaddi, Dzsenifer Marozsán and Eugénie Le Sommer who are all with OL Reign on loan from Olympique Lyonnais.  

Tullis- Joyce laughed and said, “It’s cool to be wearing the same logo as players I played against in France. They were definitely a challenge beforehand but now it is great to be playing with them. In the shooting sessions I really get to see what their level is and grow with them. Growing with the players and the team to be the best we can is really my goal here.” 

Tullis-Joyce reiterated her gratitude for this opportunity with the club, as well as for the fans who have supported her since her signing was announced. 

“Playing in front of a full stadium is going to be a very different experience for me. The fans here in the United States and in the NWSL are incredible, so that will be a new and exciting experience for me and I’m really excited and grateful for their support.”