With just one pick in the third round of the 2021 NWSL Draft, expectations were low for OL Reign this year. In the end, however, the Reign might have left with one of the biggest steals on draft day. With the 28th pick — and after waiting nearly 3 hours to make their lone selection — OL Reign selected Jimena Lopez, a left back from Texas A&M.
Many believed Lopez, born in Mexico City, had the potential to be a first-round or early second-round pick if not for the fact she requires an international spot.