Utah Valley University forward Ruby Hladek has signed her first professional contract with Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, the club announced on March 12. Hladek earned the opportunity after joining the team as a non-roster invitee during preseason camp and will remain with Seattle through June 2026.
Hladek, who is from Ladera Ranch, California, said she was excited to represent Utah Valley in the NWSL. “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,” Hladek said. “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!”
During her three seasons at Utah Valley, Hladek played in 60 matches, scored 24 goals, and recorded 32 assists. She helped lead her team to three consecutive Western Athletic Conference regular-season championships from 2023–25 and finished her college career as Utah Valley’s all-time assists leader.
In her senior season in 2025, Hladek scored 15 goals with 13 assists, earning WAC Offensive Player of the Year honors along with First Team All-WAC recognition. Her assist total ranked sixth nationally that year while contributing to a Utah Valley offense that was among national leaders in several offensive categories. She also received United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region First Team honors as well as academic awards including College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Third Team.
Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay praised Hladek’s achievement: “To say that we are excited and proud for Ruby would be an understatement,” Lemay said. “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.”
Before transferring to Utah Valley, Hladek spent two seasons at BYU where she appeared in 17 matches for a team that won its conference championship in 2021 and reached the NCAA national championship match.
Hladek is now the second Wolverine this year to join an NWSL club after Faith Webber signed with Denver Summit FC earlier in the offseason; former teammate Heather Stainbrook plays for Washington Spirit.
