With the Portland Thorns officially headed back to the NWSL playoffs, we’re sharing an early preview of Cascadia Sidelines — an upcoming interview series focused on the athletes, coaches and sports figures shaping the Pacific Northwest. In this conversation, Portland Thorns midfielder Renee Lyles reflects on her first professional season, earning her place with the club, scoring her first NWSL goal, and what it has been like beginning her career in Portland.