The UNC Women's Soccer program always produced top talent that goes on to the professional ranks. However, six different Tar Heels were drafted in this year's National Women's Soccer League draft, tying the record for most players drafted from a single school in one draft.
This has only been accomplished two other times: UCLA had six players drafted in a single class in 2015 and Duke did it a few years later in 2018.
That's 𝐬𝐢𝐱 Tar Heels selected in this year's Draft class, for those keeping track.
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) January 13, 2024
Matches the NWSL record for most players chosen from a single school! 👏 https://t.co/KLNOXxPelx
Ally Sentnor began the historic night for the Tar Heels when she was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Utah Royals. Sentnor became the third UNC Women's Soccer player ever to be drafted with the top overall selection in the NWSL draft.
THE NUMBER ONE PICK!!
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) January 13, 2024
The third Tar Heel to be selected No. 1 overall in @NWSL Draft history, @allysentnor is headed to @UtahRoyalsFC!#GoHeels x #NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/TCobdg7Jsu
Sentnor joins Crystal Dunn (2014) and Emily Fox (2021) as the other two players in program history to be drafted No. 1 overall. The magic didn't stop there as former Tar Heel teammates had their names called back-to-back.
Former Tar Heel defender Savy King was drafted with the No. 2 overall pick by the Bay Football Club. Located in the Bay Area of California, King will join the team for its inaugural season in 2024.
OH-SO SAVY!! 👑
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) January 13, 2024
With the second overall pick in the @NWSL Draft, defender Savy King will join @wearebayfc for its inaugural season!#GoHeels x #NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/eqe1RiUTL5
Maycee Bell rounded out the first round of selections for the Tar Heels when she was selected by the New Jersey/New York Gotham Football Club with the No. 14 overall pick in the first round. She will be landing in a great spot with the reigning NWSL Champions.
BELL IN THE FIRST ROUND!! @mayceebell is the third Tar Heel with a first-round selection and will join reigning NWSL champions @GothamFC! #GoHeels x #NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/nEqQohBVok
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) January 13, 2024
Two Tar Heels were drafted in the second round of the NWSL Draft. Sam Meza was the first to be selected with the No. 3 pick in the round and No. 17 overall by the Seattle Reign. Teammate Avery Patterson was selected a few picks later, with the No. 5 pick in the second round and No. 19 overall by the Houston Dash.
MEZA'S MAGIC!!
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) January 13, 2024
All-American midfielder @sammez10 has been drafted to @reignfc with the 17th overall pick! #GoHeels x #NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/7w6dOMLa9w
PATTY TO THE DASH!!
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) January 13, 2024
Avery Patterson is set to join the @HoustonDash after earning the 19th overall selection! #GoHeels x #NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/CitzYdOaNO
Julia Dorsey rounded out the selections of UNC Women's Soccer players and gets to stay the closest to home as well. Dorsey was selected with the No. 12 pick in the third round and the 40th pick overall by the North Carolina Courage in Cary, North Carolina.
JULIA'S STAYING HERE!!@juliacdorsey won't be going far, as she's the 40th overall selection by @TheNCCourage! #GoHeels x #NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/dWzszYfk3Z
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) January 13, 2024
It was a great night for the UNC Women's Soccer program as they continue to produce top professional talent and increase the number of players ever drafted in the National Women's Soccer League, which is now a record 27 players.
The NWSL was established in 2012. Please click here to learn more about the NWSL and view upcoming schedules to follow these former Tar Heels.
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