Tacoma Washington (July 16, 2019) — Thought Reign FC were done making all sorts of new signings? Think again. As if Monday’s three moves weren’t busy enough for Reign FC, the team added Rosie White, Steph Cox and Addison Steiner.
They join recent signings Rebecca Quinn, Schuyler DeBree and goalkeeper Sammy Jo Prudhomme.
White is a member of the New Zealand Women’s National Team. She competed for the Football Ferns at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this past summer. However, New Zealand failed to win their first-ever World Cup game or make it out of the group stage. White has 100 international appearances. She first entered the NWSL with the Boston Breakers back in 2017.
However, once the club folded she joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2018. For Boston, White scored four goals in 22 appearances. Meanwhile, a year later in Chicago, White tallied one goal in 12 matches.
The Red Stars and White agreed to separate so she could prepare for the World Cup. Internationally, White has scored 19 goals for the Football Ferns.
Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski said that he’s “happy” to bring White on the West Coast.
The return of #FIFAWWC players and new player signings are "coming at a crucial time" – Coach Vlatko Andonovski said. https://t.co/Iz09AYKftI
— OL Reign (@OLReign) July 16, 2019
But wait, there’s more!
White wasn’t the only signing made in rapid fire on Tuesday.
Legendary defender Steph Cox signed with the Reign today. However, this signing was a little unusual in the NWSL world. According to Andonovski, Cox asked to get back on the pitch and start playing again. She began the season as an assistant coach, after announcing her retirement at the end of last season.
However, for Cox, it was really about following her heart.
“I didn’t envision signing a contract for the season at the beginning of the year, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to follow my heart,” she said. “I have found such joy being on the field with the rest of my teammates and doing something that I know and love. But, I am so motivated to impact the team for the rest of the season so we can win the league championship.”
Cox already has four appearances for the Reign this season.
Week 13 ends with @TheNCCourage on 🔝.#NWSL pic.twitter.com/QYM6Ly8H3x
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 14, 2019
One more on the list
Addison Steiner didn’t start her career in the NWSL.
However, Steiner decided to come over to the United States as she went on loan with Reign FC. In the recent months, Steiner has made four appearances with the Reign. During her time in Tacoma, Andonovski saw enough to offer her a contract.
Steiner began her professional career in Sweden. She signed with Östersunds DFF in 2017, where she made 12 appearances and scored five goals. Steiner elected to stay in Sweden the following season, but switched to join KIF Örebro DFF. She spent two seasons with the club, making 32 appearances where she notched 14 goals.
Steiner spent her collegiate career at Northwestern University from 2013-15. However, she transferred in 2016 to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Reign FC this summer,” Steiner said. “I’m excited to finish the season out with the squad. This opportunity means the world to me. I look forward to gaining more experience from this league, my teammates and coaches.”
