SEATTLE, Wash. – Former West Seattle Rhodies FC forward Kalea Eichenberger has signed her first professional contract with NWSL side Utah Royals FC, announced by the club on Tuesday. The California native is the second player from last year’s inaugural squad to sign with an NWSL club this season, following teammate Kolo Suliafu who joined KC Current on a one-year deal.
“Kalea played a massive role in our inaugural Rhodies’ squad and contributed a lot to the character of that team – I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of what will be a very successful professional career,” shared General Manager Cory Hinthorn. “This is exactly the point of our program, and the USL W League as a whole. We hope to give players another platform to take that next step in their career.”
Eichenberger, who spent the last three years of her collegiate career with the University of Washington, helped lead the Huskies to a pair of Big Ten Regular Season and Big Ten Tournament titles in 2025. The forward started 17 of her 18 appearances last season, tallying five goals and three assists over three seasons, including 2022 All-Big West Freshman Team and Fall Academic All-Big Ten (2024, 2025) honors along the way.
“I am just so happy for Kalea,” shared Rhodies Head Coach Lyndsey Patterson. “She has worked so hard for this opportunity, and I know she’s going to take advantage of it!”
The Rhodies finished the 2025 campaign in third place in the Northwest Division, with Eichenberger leading from the front en route to a 6-2-2 record on the year. She started and appeared in eight matches for the Rhodies last season, tallying five goals and one assist, becoming the first player in Rhodies’ history to score a hat trick in last year’s home win against Tacoma. Her composure on the ball, competitiveness in the air, and ability to create chances going forward will make her a tough matchup for defenders and an exciting option for the Royals in the final third.
Written by Ben Larson
