Renee Lyles: Earned the Extension
A Clemson midfielder with a scorer's record (21 goals, 18 assists) who came in on trial, debuted, and played her way into a deal through the end of 2026.
Renee Lyles spent five seasons at Clemson (2021-2025) and left with a midfielder's scoring line: 21 goals and 18 assists. She was named to the 2021 ACC All-Freshman Team, earned ACC Player of the Week in 2023, collected All-ACC Academic honors, and reached the 2023 College Cup Final Four with the Tigers.
She arrived in Portland as a preseason trialist, made an immediate case with a first-half hat trick against Monterrey and four preseason goals, and earned a short-term contract. On June 9, 2026 the Thorns extended her through the end of the 2026 season. She wears number 41 and had already featured in three matches by the time the extension was announced.