SEATTLE — Utah Valley University standout Ruby Hladek has signed her first professional contract with Seattle Reign FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the club announced. Hladek earned the deal after joining the Reign as a non-roster invitee during preseason camp.
The forward from Ladera Ranch, California signed a short-term contract with Seattle through June 2026 following an impressive preseason with the club.
"I am so excited to sign my first professional contract, and to have prepped at UVU and represent the program in the NWSL is huge," said Hladek. "My time at UVU helped me grow tremendously as a player as well as a person, and has given me the confidence, ability, and opportunity to take this next step. I'm so thankful to my former teammates and coaches and all those who helped me get here. I am also excited to be part of an organization like the Reign that values an amazing culture and environment and continues to push me every day. As always, Go Wolverines and Go Reign!"
Hladek signed with Seattle following three standout seasons at Utah Valley, where she appeared in 60 matches and recorded 24 goals and 32 assists while helping lead the Wolverines to three consecutive Western Athletic Conference regular-season championships from 2023–25. She concluded her career as Utah Valley's all-time assists leader.
During her senior season in 2025, Hladek produced one of the most productive attacking seasons in program history. She finished with 15 goals and 13 assists while earning WAC Offensive Player of the Year honors and First Team All-WAC recognition. Her 13 assists ranked sixth nationally and helped power a Utah Valley offense that finished among the nation's leaders in goals, assists per game, shots per game and shots on goal per game.
Hladek also earned United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region First Team honors and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Third Team and the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Team.
"To say that we are excited and proud for Ruby would be an understatement," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. "Ruby has worked tirelessly for this opportunity and deserves the contract she has earned. To have yet another UVU women's soccer product sign with an NWSL side is a testament to the entire program. The Seattle Reign has just gained a lot of fans from Utah and Southern California."
Prior to her time at Utah Valley, Hladek spent two seasons at BYU where she appeared in 17 matches and was part of the 2021 team that won the West Coast Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA national championship match.
Hladek becomes the second Wolverine to sign with an NWSL club this year, joining graduate forward Faith Webber, who signed with Denver Summit FC earlier this offseason. Former Wolverine Heather Stainbrook also plays in the NWSL for the Washington Spirit.
Seattle Reign FC opens the 2026 NWSL season on March 16.
