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Jeff Kassouf
Laura Harvey, the NWSL’s most successful and longest-serving coach, has signed a new contract to stay on as head coach of Seattle Reign FC until the end of the 2028 season.
Harvey’s association with the Reign is profound; she has coached the team in 10 of its 12 regular seasons, navigating through various ownership transitions, name changes, and relocations.
Her presence has been a steadying factor, and it was so taken for granted that the end of her last contract on December 31 went unnoticed. However, in an exclusive interview with ESPN, Harvey expressed that last season ignited a passion in her that she hadn’t felt since the league’s inception in 2013.
“Last year was one of the most enjoyable I’ve had as a coach,” Harvey shared with ESPN. “It felt like a new era had begun. I didn’t think I’d experience that excitement again like we did in 2013 and 2014.”
“It was truly enjoyable going to work each day, collaborating with the staff and players. That positive atmosphere is a testament to everyone involved.”
The team’s fifth-place finish and playoff return last season marked a significant turnaround under the new joint ownership of MLS’s Seattle Sounders and the Carlyle Group, which has brought renewed purpose after a tumultuous 18 months under the previous ownership.
“Seeing the dedication from individuals working behind the scenes to propel the club forward gets me excited about our potential,” Harvey stated.
“Having invested so much time and effort, I want to be the one to enjoy this journey along with the new ownership and the vision for our club’s future.”
With 113 victories, Harvey is the most successful head coach in NWSL history. She has been honored as NWSL Coach of the Year three times and led the Reign to three NWSL Shields since taking charge in the inaugural season in 2013.
Over her decade-plus tenure in the NWSL, Harvey has been among the few female head coaches in the league, and she hopes to see that ratio improve. After leaving the Reign post-2017 to coach the expansion Utah Royals for two seasons, she joined U.S. Soccer in 2020.
Harvey returned to the Reign as head coach midway through 2021, providing stability during a tumultuous period when the team had just parted ways with former coach Farid Benstiti.
The Reign faced challenges off the field as OL Groupe announced the team was for sale in early 2023. General Manager Lesle Gallimore, hired that year, described the following 18 months as filled with uncertainty and “internal chaos.”
Despite reaching the NWSL Championship in 2023, the Reign endured a rough 2024 season, finishing near the bottom of the standings, notably conceding 44 goals, a performance reminiscent of their challenging rookie season a decade prior. The team was also hampered by the departure of USWNT veterans Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett, as the team faced a stalled winter transfer window while awaiting new ownership.
However, last season marked a revival for the team, with a playoff return, though they were eliminated by the 2024 champions, Orlando Pride, in the quarterfinals.
Gallimore noted that the team’s early-season performance ignited discussions about extending Harvey’s contract, which began in the summer.
“I’ve often emphasized the need for consistency, clarity, and direction,” Gallimore explained. “Retaining Laura and supporting her development as a proven leader and winner in the league is crucial. Observing other clubs struggle due to a lack of these elements serves as a reminder of our goals—to remain competitive and at the top consistently.”
Gallimore emphasized that consistency shouldn’t be mistaken for complacency. Both she and Harvey agreed on the necessity for the team’s identity to continue evolving, particularly in offensive play. Since 2023, Harvey’s staff has nearly doubled, allowing her to concentrate entirely on coaching. She expressed pride in the team’s defensive performance last year, having reduced goals conceded to just 29 over 26 matches.
However, the Reign struggled offensively, scoring only 32 goals— the lowest among the eight playoff teams— and had one of the worst expected goal (xG) differentials in the league (-14.4).
Harvey mentioned her disdain for relying solely on xG as a measuring stick, which sparked conversation after she gained attention for consulting ChatGPT for tactical insights, though she claims she’s not data-driven. Nevertheless, she is aware that the stat indicates a trend: the team must generate more scoring chances.
“Adapt or die, really,” Harvey declared. “In women’s football, the pace of change is extraordinary and constantly evolving. The goalposts shift often, and we have to adapt.”
With her new contract, Harvey is set to lead the Reign into the NWSL’s 15th regular season, much of which she will have spent in Seattle. She humorously mentioned the possibility of finally purchasing a home in the city.
Yet, the ultimate goal for Harvey and the Reign remains elusive: an NWSL Championship title, a trophy that has slipped through their grasp even with the storied 2014 squad, one of the best in league history.
“That’s what we’re chasing,” Harvey admitted. “The legacy of the Reign has always been about winning, but that Championship remains the one accolade we haven’t achieved. It’s at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”