Julia Nicole Lester (born January 16, 1998) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender. She played college soccer for the Florida Gators before starting her professional career with Cypriot club Apollon Ladies. She has also previously played for Racing Louisville FC and Seattle Reign FC of the National Women's Soccer League, in addition to Sporting JAX of the USL Super League.
College career A family youth and community sciences major, Lester played for the Florida Gators from 2016 to 2019.
Club career After graduating from the University of Florida in August 2020, Lester signed for Cypriot club Apollon Ladies and played in the UEFA Women's Champions League. She was named to the league's Best XI in 2021 and captained the team.
In March 2022, Lester followed Apollon Ladies' former manager Kim Björkegren and signed for Racing Louisville of the American NWSL.
In January 2024, Lester was traded to fellow NWSL club Seattle Reign. She subsequently extended her contract with the Reign until 2025.
On July 9, 2025, Lester returned to her home state of Florida on a loan to USL Super League team Sporting JAX through the end of 2025. This move marked a reunion, as she rejoined her former college teammate Parker Roberts and her collegiate coaches, Becky Burleigh and Alan Kirkup. At the end of September, Lester was named to the USL Super League Team of the Month as a bench player. After starting all 14 of Sporting JAX's games and leading the team in minutes, she joined the club on a permanent deal in January 2026. At the end of Sporting JAX's inaugural season, Lester departed from the club.
Career statistics Club
ClubSeasonDivisionLeagueCupPlayoffsTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsApollon Ladies F.C.2020–2021Cypriot First Division0020—202021–20220040—40Total00600060Racing Louisville FC2022NWSL20050—250202313050—180Total33010000430Seattle Reign FC2024NWSL5000—50Sporting JAX2025–26USL Super League210—00210Career total59016000750 * Apollon Ladies stats reflect ≥ 6 league/Champions League appearances based on available data.
References
External links
Julia Lester at Seattle Reign FC