Reilyn Turner is making waves in Portland, and her recent form suggests she's ready to become a key contributor—not just for the Thorns, but potentially for the USWNT in the years ahead.
In January, Turner made her senior international debut in style, scoring the opening goal in a dominant 6-0 victory over Paraguay. It was the kind of exclamation point that turns heads. Now, the 23-year-old forward is building on that momentum, positioning herself for a breakout season that could see her hit double-digit production.
Turner's journey to the professional ranks is rooted in a strong athletic pedigree. Born in Lakewood, California, and the daughter of a retired NFL tight end, she starred at Laguna Beach High School, earning All-American honors and being named Orange Coast League MVP. At the club level, she played for the prestigious SoCal Blues, where she teamed up with Trinity Rodman to lead the attack for a four-time national champion. TopDrawerSoccer ranked her as a four-star recruit and the 11th-best prospect in the class of 2020.
Her collegiate career at UCLA was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman, she posted 11 goals and five assists in 17 matches, earning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team. She followed that up with 10 goals and one assist as a sophomore, again earning All-Pac-12 honors. But it was her junior season that truly stood out: Turner scored 11 goals and added three assists, playing a pivotal role in UCLA's College Cup-winning campaign. She scored the game-winner in the semifinal against Alabama and the equalizer in the final against North Carolina, earning Most Outstanding Offensive Player honors. She capped her college career with 10 goals and six assists as a senior, winning Pac-12 Forward of the Year and Second-Team All-America recognition.
Turner entered the professional ranks as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, selected by Racing Louisville. Now with the Portland Thorns, she's proving that her college success was no fluke. With her speed, finishing ability, and knack for rising to the occasion, Turner is a player to watch—not just in the NWSL, but on the international stage as well. If she continues to produce at this level, a spot on the USWNT's World Cup or Olympic roster may not be far off.