Balcer, who has been with the Reign since 2019, has completed a trade to Racing Louisville, marking a new chapter filled with challenge and opportunity. The move sees Bethany Balcer head to Louisville for a trade of Jaelin Howell and $50,000 in allocation money to Seattle Reign, announced on Monday.
Although Balcer had signed a contract extension with Seattle Reign that would keep her with the club until 2025, her performances attracted several clubs from across the NWSL. Her move comes as Racing Louisville is eager to bolster its attacking options, aligning with the goal-scoring threat that Balcer has become known by. Racing Louisville currently sits in ninth place in NWSL, just outside of a berth to the playoffs.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join Racing Louisville and work toward making the playoffs,” Balcer said after the trade was announced. “I am looking forward to working under Bev and her leadership and know that this club’s ceiling is incredibly high. I can’t wait to get to work with this group of talented players!”
Jeremy Sampson, Lead Agent of the Women’s Division of the OPSM Pro Agency, facilitated the Balcer’s trade to Louisville.
“Bethany is a special player who’s proven to be one of the best goal scorers in the NWSL in her nearly six seasons.” Sampson commented. “While it is difficult to leave Seattle, this move brings her closer to home (Grand Rapids, MI). Leaving one city for another is never easy, but Louisville City showed through the process how much they valued Bethany.”
Days after the trade was completed, Bethany made her first appearance for her new club. Starting the match, Bethany made an immediate impact, providing an assist in a 3-1 win over Chicago Red Stars.
From an undrafted player to a star forward, Balcer’s rise in the NWSL has been inspirational.
At Spring Arbor University in Michigan, Bethany Balcer made history as the first player in NAIA history to earn the national player of the year title three times. She played a pivotal role in leading the Cougars to two national championships and was recently inducted into the Spring Arbor Hall of Fame.
Balcer first joined Seattle Reign in 2019 as an undrafted rookie, quickly establishing herself as a key player. In her first professional season, she scored six goals and earned the NWSL Rookie of the Year award. Balcer was the first player from an NAIA college to sign with an NWSL club and immediately make such a profound impact.
Head Coach of Racing Louisville, Bev Yanez, spoke positively about Bethany’s arrival: “We believe Beth’s caliber and ability in front of goal can push our group forward in a positive direction. We are excited to have her at Racing!”
Balcer was a consistent performer with the Reign and just recently reached the milestone of 100 appearances in NWSL with the club. During her period in Seattle, she notched 39 goals. These statistics rank her amongst the top strikers in the league, and her contributions were instrumental in the team’s playoff runs and regular-season campaigns over the years.
The addition of Balcer is a critical piece of the puzzle for Racing Louisville FC. Her ability to lead the front line will be an asset, and her proven track record in the league adds a new dimension to Racing Louisville’s attack. The addition of a player of Balcer’s caliber signals their intent to compete at the highest level.
For Balcer, this move is an opportunity to continue her growth as a player and to take on new responsibilities within a different team dynamic. The transition from Seattle to Louisville will bring new challenges, but Balcer has shown throughout her career that she thrives in the face of adversity.
Let’s go, Bethany!