Former Penn State women’s soccer star Kaleigh Riehl joined the newest club in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Thursday.

Riehl was selected eighth of 14 in Racing Louisville’s NWSL Expansion Draft. Due to the Kentucky club joining the league next season, it’s allowed to poach non-protected players from other teams around the nation.

Riehl will join Racing Louisville’s inaugural roster along with notable World Cup winners Tobin Heath and Christen Press. The Virginia native will also move to Kentucky with former Sky Blue FC teammate Jennifer Cudjoe.

Riehl played for Penn State from 2015 to 2019, taking a redshirt season in 2016. During her time in State College, the defender started in 101 appearances for the Nittany Lions, the third-most in program history. With 8,847 minutes logged on the pitch, Riehl holds the NCAA record for most time played by an outfield player (read: not a goalkeeper).

Before joining Louisville, Riehl played one season for Sky Blue FC. After getting drafted No. 11 overall last season, she made only one appearance in 2020. Riehl also has experience with the United States’ national team at various youth levels.

About the Author

Otis Lyons

Otis is a sophomore majoring in print journalism and is one of Onward State's associate editors. He lives just north of San Francisco, and is a diehard San Jose Earthquakes fan. Feel free to send over your soccer hot takes to his twitter @otisnlyons1 and instagram @otislyons

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