Photo Credit: New England Soccer Journal
South Shore Select alum Lilly Reale is officially a professional soccer player! NJ/NY Gotham FC announced on January 3, 2025, that they have signed Lilly to a three-year contract, marking the next step in what has already been an incredible career.
Lilly’s journey to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) began at Select, where she honed her skills alongside some of the nation’s top talent. She played at Select alongside Ally Sentnor, another Massachusetts native and future NWSL top draft pick. The two trained and competed together in an environment that challenged them to be their best—an experience that helped shape their paths to the professional level.
Her talent was evident early on, leading to standout performances at Hingham High School before she committed to UCLA. At UCLA, Lilly’s impact was immediate. She was a four-year starter, helping lead the Bruins to a national championship in 2022 while earning the Honda Sports Award as the best player in college soccer. Her defensive dominance continued, and by the time she graduated, she was the only player in history to win back-to-back Pac-12 Defender of the Year awards before UCLA moved to the Big Ten, where she was named Big Ten Defender of the Year in 2024.
Lilly is taking the next step with Gotham FC, joining the reigning NWSL champions as they prepare to defend their title. Her signing is a testament to her talent and the development pathway on which Select prides itself. From training in Hingham to playing on the biggest stages in college soccer, Lilly’s journey inspires the next generation of Select players.
Ally Sentnor and Lilly Reale
We couldn’t be prouder to see one of our own competing at the highest level. Congratulations, Lilly! We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Want to follow in Lilly’s footsteps?
Join us at Select, where we’re building the next generation of soccer stars! Visit our website for more information on programs, camps, and teams.
