How Sally Menti played her way into a multi-year contract – Equalizer Soccer

Photo Courtesy of Seattle Reign FC – Jenny Chuang / NWSL

When Seattle Reign first signed Sally Menti to a short-term contract through June 2025, head coach Laura Harvey told her that the plan was to loan her out over the summer. At that same time, Harvey told Menti to change the plan — to play so well that they had to reevaluate. Menti did just that. Now, the Seattle native is signed to a contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, the team announced Wednesday.

“We are extremely pleased to not only extend Sally’s contract but to officially welcome her as a long-term member of Reign FC,” said Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore in a statement. “Since joining us following preseason, Sally has seized every opportunity to make an impact. … Through her hard work and determination, she’s quickly established herself as an important contributor within our squad. Sally is a crafty player with exceptional football intelligence. Her growth over the past few months has been impressive, and we’re excited to continue supporting her development in the years to come.”

Though Menti had trained with the Reign over the years, her turnaround since signing in March 2025 has been miraculous and quick. An injury out of college initially meant the 23-year-old was unable to join the Reign for preseason. But once she got healthy, the 2020 NCAA Champion (a Santa Clara Bronco) signed a contract through the end of June. On May 23, Menti made her professional debut as a substitute against the Washington Spirit, playing just two minutes.

But on June 6, Menti made her first professional start against San Diego Wave and scored her first professional goal in the 67th minute. Her impressive strike helped the team secure an important 2-1 victory, and the moment was later nominated for NWSL Goal of the Week.

“I had a little injury coming out of college, so everything was kind of slow to begin with,” Menti said after her first start. “It’s been getting my fitness up, getting used to my team, getting comfortable with the coaches and everything. So just kind of all been building. And I mean, everyone here has been so welcoming and encouraging that it was a pretty natural build for me. And I just appreciate my teammates a lot and coaches for helping me.”

“So happy for Sally,” Harvey told media after the victory. “She’s grown a lot since she’s been with us. She’s a baller, absolute baller. The fact that she’s a local kid just means a little bit more, you know. And right before the goal, I think we’d had a couple of chances … and I brought them in … and I said, will someone do me a favor and just shoot? And then next minute, Sally rips an absolute worldie.”

Veteran defender Lauren Barnes was also full of praise for the young player’s performance.

“Having Sally in there, for her age right now, she brings such a calmness,” Barnes said. “And that’s exactly what this team needs right now [for how] we want to play. And Sally’s a ball player. So having her in there, and this game especially, is what we really needed, and she stepped up.”

Barnes looked straight at Menti as she spoke about just how much confidence she has in her and how she trusts the young players to continue carrying this team forward.

“Sally has a history with us as well,” Barnes continued. “This isn’t her first time with the team, and we knew we had something special for a really long time, and we always knew we needed to keep her around. So when she’s healthy and fit, she’s in here, and you guys got to see just a tad of what she’s going to bring. Sally’s a Reign player through and through, whether she knows it or not.”

Seattle’s midfield is by no means an easy place to break in and earn minutes. International legends like Jess Fishlock and Ji So-Yun are brilliant when healthy, Angharad James-Turner has been playing some of the best soccer of her career ahead of the UEFA Women’s Euros, Sam Meza has had a breakout season, and even players like Maddie Mercado and Nérilia Mondésir have put on big performances.

Despite the depth of talent available, since the victory in San Diego, Menti has started both of Seattle’s matches and played nearly 90 minutes both times — a 2-2 draw against the Stars in Chicago and a 4-1 victory in Utah over the Royals.

After her impressive performances, Menti was called to train with the U.S. U-23 women’s national team during the upcoming international window. She had previously represented the U.S. at the U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-20 levels, and was a finalist for the 2022 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year Award.

The Reign will have to make more roster moves this summer. Even before they signed Menti to a long-term contract, they needed space for the return of defenders Ryanne Brown and Sofia Huerta from SEI and a loan, respectively. Lily Woodham’s loan also ends at the end of June.

But Menti’s new contract reflects the Reign’s belief in her and her commitment to Seattle.

“Continuing my career in my hometown with a world-class club I’ve admired for so long is incredibly special to me,” Menti said in her contract announcement. “I’m grateful for the belief the Reign has shown in me, and I’m excited to keep growing and contributing to this team.”

The Seattle Reign are moving up, and Menti isn’t going anywhere.