Renee Lyles: From rookie non-roster invitee to living the dream as Portland Thorns attacker

Renee Lyles scored a hat trick in a friendly versus C.F. Monterrey that not only stole the show, but wound up completely changing her life.

"That game and the whole preseason really just felt so surreal. That game was crazy — I was so excited to be playing that night, and I'll always remember scoring my first goals for the Thorns," said Lyles.

"In the days after, I felt like I was on top of the world, so excited to continue with the team and keep growing and learning. This is just the beginning, so I have a lot to learn and a lot of areas to grow, and I feel really blessed to be with such a group of experienced, talented players to look up to."

Coming out of college Lyles was primarily seen as an attacking midfielder, but had versatility including experience at winger, the number eight position, and at the six. Her dream was to play in the NWSL, but she was willing to go overseas if needed to play professionally.

The attacker arrived in the Rose City from Clemson University as a non-roster invitee, alongside many others with the same goals and ambitions. The task of earning a spot on the roster in such a short amount of time and making a lasting impression with the club was Herculean, and the odds were very much stacked against her.

But as soon as she led the Portland Thorns with four goals in the preseason, she was inevitable. Lyles made the opening-day roster, originally signed to a short-term contract through May 31.

"Starting in January, it was kind of a month-to-month basis of figuring out what would be next, just trying to take it day by day and keep grinding,” said Lyles.

"I remember the phone call with Mike Norris — I was so happy, and again felt so thankful to be here with this group longer."

Sharing the news of her professional contract with her family is what she'll remember the most.

"The biggest part I remember was the call with my family, because they'd been supporting me through the whole journey. I felt so much support and love from my family, and it's been kind of hard being away from them, but it makes me want to continue to do my best, knowing they love and support me all the time,” said Lyles.

She earned her professional debut on April 26 as a second half sub in Portland's 2-1 road win at Angel City FC, and would go on to make her first appearances at Providence Park against San Diego Wave and Bay FC. The result in those three appearances? Win, win, win.

With her contract set to expire again, head coach Robert Vilahamn made it clear he wanted her to be a part of the team moving forward. With assistant coaches Sarah Lowdon and Vytas in support, it was meant to be.

On June 9, it was announced that Lyles had earned a contract extension through the end of the 2026 season.

"It means so much. Sarah, Vytas, Robert — all the coaches — have been so helpful for me personally, and I feel like I can go to them with anything. They're very supportive and know that I could benefit from meetings with them and continuing to learn the system. It means so much to know they want to keep me around, and I will gladly be here as long as they want me. I'm having a great time,” said Lyles.

In her sixth appearance, she would earn her first start against defending NWSL champions, Gotham FC on July 24.

"The days leading up to the game, when Robert told me I'd be getting the opportunity to start, I was again so grateful, and so excited — that brings its own nerves, because it's a moment I'd been dreaming of my whole life,” said Lyles.

To make the match even more memorable, she would tally the equalizer via a “shross” in the 21st minute.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but it was a moment she would never forget even if it didn’t completely sink in at the time.

"I feel like it's getting a little more settled, but that was so surreal. The fact that I was able to do it at Providence Park is beyond a dream, in front of that many people, and all the energy the fans bring really helps — you feel it out there. That moment was so surreal, and honestly, I'll never forget it,” said Lyles.

The best part? Celebrating with her loved ones.

"I had a couple of friends from Atlanta who happened to move out to Portland for work, so I'm lucky to have that community out here — they're at every home game, and they're the best."