Seattle Reign FC signed 2024 NWSL draft pick

Midfielder Sam Meza has joined Seattle Reign FC on a contract that runs until the end of the 2024 NWSL season, with an option to extend for another year. Meza was the first player drafted by Seattle in the 2024 NWSL Draft, after they traded $125,000 in allocation money to the Chicago Red Stars for the 17th pick in the second round.

After four years at the University of North Carolina, the rookie midfielder joins Reign FC. Meza started 71 out of 72 games for the Tar Heels, scoring seven goals, assisting 10 times and taking 68 shots. The 22-year-old earned a spot on the All-ACC First Team in 2022 and was twice chosen for the All-ACC Second Team as a senior and sophomore (2021 and 2023).

"I’m grateful for the opportunity to play for Seattle Reign FC. 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!"

- Sam Meza

"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. 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."

- Lesle Gallimore - General Manager

Meza has been a member of the U.S. Women’s Youth National Teams since 2015, and has recently participated in friendly matches for the Under-23 squad. The midfielder, who was born in Dallas, Texas, helped the Under-20 team win the 2020 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship and the Under-17 team win the 2018 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship.

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