Seattle Reign FC Signs 2024 NWSL Draft Pick Sam Meza

Seattle Reign FC has signed midfielder Sam Meza through the 2024 NWSL season, with a one-year option, the club announced today. Meza was Seattle’s first selection in the 2024 NWSL Draft, acquired as the 17th overall pick in the second round.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play for Seattle Reign FC,” said Meza. “I strongly believe that this environment will help me continue to develop as a professional and play to my full potential. I have felt nothing but the warmest of welcomes from my teammates, coaches and the community. I can’t wait to compete at Lumen Field and meet our supporters soon!”

The rookie midfielder signs with Reign FC after playing four years at the University of North Carolina. Meza made 71 career starts in 72 games played, recording seven goals, 10 assists and 68 shots for the Tar Heels. The 22-year-old was named to the All-ACC First Team in 2022 and was a two-time All-ACC Second Team selection as a senior and sophomore (2021 and 2023).

At the international level, Meza has played for the U.S. Women’s Youth National Teams since 2015, most recently playing in friendlies for the Under-23 team. The Dallas, Texas, native won the 2020 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship with the Under-20 team and the 2018 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship with the Under-17 team.

"We said after the draft that trading up to get Sam Meza with the 17th pick was a steal, and now a month plus into preseason, we’d double-down on that sentiment,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “Sam is a skillful and dynamic player who has quickly shown she can be impactful at the professional level, but most importantly Sam demonstrates the drive, curiosity, and growth mindset to constantly improve which are traits we really value.”