Seattle Reign bets big on Hanna Glas: a defender poised to reshape their 2025 season

The Swedish defender’s leadership and resilience are set to transform Reign’s defense next season

Seattle Reign FC defender Hanna Glas (31) kicks the ball against Bay FC during the second half at Lumen Field
Seattle Reign FC defender Hanna Glas (31) kicks the ball against Bay FC during the second half at Lumen Field | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Seattle Reign FC have made a strategic move by extending the contract of Swedish defender Hanna Glas for another year, with the option to continue through 2026. Glas joined the club in 2024 after a deal involving a trade with Kansas City Current, and it did not take her much time to prove to be a vital addition to Reign's defense.

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Hanna Glas arrival: instant hit at Reign

The 2024 season saw Hanna Glas make her debut for Seattle Reign FC in the latter stages, but seven games were enough for her to nail her place in the starting lineup. In just six matches, the Swedish defender recorded 21 duels won, 10 interceptions, and nine clearances/stats that pinpoint her sharp reading of the game and anticipation skills.

Glas's experience in top-level leagues such as the Frauen Bundesliga and D1 Arkema brought some much-needed maturity to the team's backline, a quality which became increasingly evident toward the end of the season. Resilience

Resilience has defined Glas' career. Even as she signed with Kansas City Current in 2023, a serious knee problem delayed her eventual NWSL debut. However, when that did come during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup in 2024, she showed she was ready to take things up a notch. Glas played an excellent game, contributing an assist and a commanding display in the center, with Current securing a clean-sheet victory over Liga MX Femenil's Pachuca.

Before her time in the NWSL, Glas had made her mark, scoring six goals in 40 appearances for Bayern Munich in the Frauen Bundesliga and playing 19 matches with Paris Saint-Germain. Her international experience shows her adaptability and dependability as a defender.

What this means for Reign

Seattle Reign general manager Lesle Gallimore didn't hold back in pointing out Glas' positive impact on and off the field. For sure, Glas is not only a reliable defender but also a natural leader and mentor to younger players.

"We're excited to see her leadership, experience and readiness full on display as she continues to play a pivotal role for our team. Hanna's maturity and poise come from a lengthy career at the highest levels of professional and international soccer. She will be invaluable on and off the field as we work toward building our success," Gallimore said.

Glas, since he has a full preseason ahead, will get the time to integrate with the squad better and contribute to setting up a solid defensive system. Continuity is what he will need because Reign is getting prepared for the highly competitive NWSL.