Portland Thorns forward Reilyn Turner's dream debut with the USWNT: "Definitely a day that I will remember for the rest of my life."

All it takes is one email to change your life.

For Reilyn Turner, that email came from U.S. Soccer and Emma Hayes naming her to the United States Women's National Team camp for the very first time in her career.

"It was a dream come true," Turner said. "I honestly thought it was like spam."

Every footballer dreams of representing their country. And for Reilyn Turner, she has long aspired to be on the USWNT.

For the Portland Thorns forward, that dream has started since she can remember.

"This has been my dream since I was three-years old," Turner said. "As soon as I knew what it was, I wanted to be here."

Turner enjoyed a career season in 2025 where she scored a career-high six goals (including playoffs), and was top five in the league xG (expected goals) at 9.0xG. She was a shining beacon for the Thorns – and not just centrally, but also on the wings.

During the 2025 season, Turner received multiple call-ups to the USWNT U-23 roster, and it was only a matter of time before she got the senior camp invite. With the January camp primed to be filled with young, up and coming talent, it seemed like it would be an ideal opportunity for the Thorn.

And that's exactly what it was – announced by an email that felt almost too good to be real.

"I was with my aunt at the time, so I'm glad I was with someone [and] not alone, and we just went absolutely nuts," Turner shared of the moment she got her call-up. "And then I drove straight to my mom's work and told her. It just means the world to me. I'm super grateful, and I'm just grateful to even have the opportunity, and then obviously grateful for whatever comes next."

The best part? The matches against Paraguay and Chile were held in California – specifically in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The LA match at Dignity Health Sports Park in particular would be a 'homecoming' for Turner, who was born in Lakewood.

In the opening match, Emma Hayes would give the hometown star her first ever cap and start.

The forward was dangerous all first half and nearly scored on several occasions. With the USWNT unable to put away their early chances, who would open the scoring?

Who else? Reilyn Turner. The assist? Portland Thorns and USWNT teammate Olivia Moultrie, who played a magnificent ball into the forward for the opening goal.

"I honestly can't put into words how I'm feeling right now. I'm so grateful to even get this opportunity to play. So grateful my family's here. Beyond words, I can't describe it."

For the star forward, the moment was even sweeter with Turner's family, friends, and loved ones showing up in full force.