Today, Reign FC and the women’s soccer world say farewell to an incredible athlete and wonderful human as Stephanie has announced her retirement from professional soccer. After two and half seasons in the NWSL, and a long successful career with the U.S. Women’s National Team, the defender has decided that now is the time to hang up her boots.

“I am sure that it will take me awhile to fully process that my playing career is over, but I know that after such a special season that now is the right time for me to step off the field for good,” said Cox of her decision to retire from professional soccer.

“Playing professionally and all the travel and commitment entailed has been a sacrifice for my family and I am so grateful for their constant support and encouragement.”

Cox, 29, made 49 appearances (48 starts) and tallied 4 assists in two and a half seasons with Reign FC. Seattle signed Cox in June of 2013 midway through their inaugural campaign.

In 2014, Cox was a key member of a Reign FC team that fixed itself on the top of the NWSL standings and stayed there. Seattle allowed a league-low 20 goals (0.83 goals-against-average) en route to winning the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Shield with the best regular season record. Cox, who successfully shut down the left side of the pitch, was voted onto the NWSL Second XI in 2014.

Reign FC re-signed Cox for the 2015 campaign and saw more of the same, as the defender once again was a pivotal member of a stellar backline that added additional talent and proved difficult to break down. Seattle captured a second consecutive NWSL Shield and Cox was again voted to the NWSL Second XI once more.

“The last three seasons with the Reign have been the best of my career. I love the players, the staff, the ownership, and the amazing environment that has been created by all involved,” said Cox. “It has been a dream come true to be able to go to practice, do what I love, and then come home to my family at the end of the day.”

Cox ran rampant up and down the let flank, shutting down some of the world’s best talent with patient one-on-one defending, as well as assisting incredible goals such as Jess Fishlock’s leaping finish against Western New York Flash in 2014.