Former Hingham Soccer Star Lilly Reale Signs with Gotham FC

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced today that former Hingham High School soccer star Lilly Reale has signed a multi-year contract with the club, extending through 2027. Reale, a 21-year-old defender, joins Gotham FC after an illustrious college career and significant international experience at the youth level.

“I could not be more grateful to begin my professional career at Gotham FC,” said Reale. “I look forward to learning from such established players and coaches, competing with and against the best, and developing as a player and person here at Gotham. I’m excited to make an impact and create something special this year!”

Reale made 83 appearances over four years with the UCLA Bruins, contributing three goals and four assists in 7,100 minutes on the field. She earned numerous accolades in 2024, including First-Team All-American, All-North Region, and All-Big Ten honors, and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. This marked the third consecutive year Reale won the conference's Defensive Player of the Year award, previously receiving the honor in the PAC-12 in 2022 and 2023.

Reale is one of only four players in UCLA history to earn four first-team all-conference selections. Her collegiate achievements include being a two-time semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top college soccer player, and receiving the 2022 Honda Sport Award for soccer. She was also named Most Outstanding Defensive Player at the 2022 College Cup, where she helped lead UCLA to a National Championship.

“Lilly is an excellent player who has achieved tremendous success at the college and Youth National Team levels,” said Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the club and excited to see the impact she will make.”

On the international stage, Reale has represented the United States at the U-17 and U-20 levels, including appearances at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Reale’s soccer journey began in Hingham, Massachusetts, where she attended Hingham High School. As a three-time South Shore Select All-American, she made a name for herself in local and regional soccer. Playing club soccer with South Shore Select, she earned Player of the Year honors and further solidified her reputation as a top defensive talent.

Reale’s signing marks an exciting new chapter for both Gotham FC and the South Shore native as she embarks on her professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Stay connected with the South Shore Times for updates on Lilly Reale’s journey and other local sports stories.