Reign sign D Emily Mason to 1-year deal

Field Level Media|published: 01/08/2025, 1:12pm EST

Dec 3, 2021; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles midfielder Maria Alagoa (18) and Rutgers Scarlet Knight defender Emily Mason (15) battle for possession in front of goal during the second half of the 2021 Women's College Cup semifinals at Stevens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Seattle Reign FC signed former Rutgers defender Emily Mason for the 2025 NWSL season on Wednesday.

Mason, 22, is the first college athlete to sign with the club following the league's transition away from a draft.

"Emily is a smart, versatile and highly skilled defender with tremendous potential as a professional," Reign general manager Lesle Gallimore said. "Her impressive collegiate career and reputation as a leader and teammate speak volumes about her character and talent."

Mason started 72 of 82 matches at Rutgers from 2021-24 and collected six goals and seven assists. She made the All-Big Ten first team in 2022 and 2024.

"I'm so excited to be joining Seattle Reign and making the move to the West Coast," Mason said. "It's an incredible club and I can't wait to get started and begin this new chapter in my career."

Prior to attending Rutgers, the New Jersey prep star was named the 2019-20 Gatorade National Player of the Year.

--Field Level Media