Former Cougar soccer captain and defender Reese Tappan, who wrapped up her collegiate career after the 2024 season, has officially gone pro. Spokane Zephyr FC of the United Soccer League announced the signing of Tappan Saturday, marking the first Coug of the 2024 class to join a professional team.
“I’m thrilled and super grateful to start my professional career with Spokane Zephyr FC,” Tappan said in a team press release. “The coaching staff and team have been more than welcoming and have made me feel at home! Truly excited to be part of the soccer community in the city of Spokane!”
Tappan is coming off a strong season that capped off a career of consistent success. Tappan played in all 19 games last season and did not miss a single minute of action. She was selected to All-WCC First Team along with fellow senior Grayson Lynch after notching two goals and three assists while helping the team to a 1.05 goals allowed average. Tappan started 74 of the 78 games she played at WSU.
Zephyr FC head coach Jo Johnson released a statement welcoming Tappan to the team.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Reese to our squad,” Johnson said. “She brings a strong leadership presence by the way she carries herself and through her example on the field. She will add strength, size, and valuable depth to our backline. Her speed, athleticism, and aggressive presence will be a significant asset to the team.”
Zephyr FC is a part of the Super League in the USL system, the top division of a league that exists at the top of professional women’s soccer alongside the well-established National Women’s Soccer League. The club is in just its second year in the league after beginning its inaugural season in 2024. The USL Super League itself has existed since 2021.
Tappan joins a back line that includes five other defenders. She joined the team for their first contest of the spring season on the road against Dallas Trinity FC, where Spokane pulled out a 1-0 victory. She was listed amongst the available substitutes for the match but did not see any action.
While the timeline for Tappan’s debut is unclear, a strong target date could be the team’s March 8 spring home opener against Carolina Ascent FC. In a depth chart that is not overly crowded, Tappan could have a realistic chance of working her way up the depth chart to see strong spurts of action as a solid bench piece.
With the move to Spokane, Tappan stays close to her college home and gets the opportunity to build her professional resume. Zephyr FC does not play again until their home opener.
