Racing Louisville selected University of North Carolina defender Emily Fox at No. 1 in Wednesday’s NWSL draft, while Washington Spirit selected Trinity Rodman with the second pick.
American U20 forward Rodman is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman.
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Fox (22) is one of the rare players who has experience with the full American women’s team. Fox, who can also play in midfield, has made three international appearances, while also playing a lot with the American U20 national team.
“I’m very excited,” said Fox from the U.S. training camp in Orlando, Florida. “I know [Louisville manager Christy Holly] from the past, when he was an assistant in the national team.
“So when I talk to him, he tells me about the culture, everything they’re up front, the facilities, the girls in the team. I’m just so excited to be there and be part of the team.”
Rodman (18) was a finalist for the American women’s player of the year American football, and excelled for the American u.20 national team. He scored eight goals and added six assists at the CONCACAF U20 Women’s Championship in 2020. Rodman enrolled at Washington State but was never able to adapt to the Cougars after the collegiate season was postponed to this spring in 2020.
“Being even just in the concept with my situation and my age is insane, but being No. 2 for an incredible team is out of this world, like I could not ask for anything more,” Rodman said. . “DC just had a great program, a fantastic team. The coach [Richie Burke] is incredible. I’ve talked to him a few times already. I know he’s a tough head coach, but I’m so excited to be his player and learn and get better. ‘
As for the influence of her famous father, Rodman said she is ready to be known as a standout player in her own right.
“He was an amazing athlete, and I got those genes from him, but I’m excited to be known as Trinity Rodman and not just as Rodman’s daughter,” she said. “I’m excited to pave my own path and get better throughout this journey.”
Sky Blue initially had the next two picks, but after taking UNC midfielder / forward Brianna Pinto to No. 3, the team decided to trade the No. 4 pick to Kansas City for $ 175,000 in prize money. Kansas City then used the choice to select Stanford defender Kiara “Kiki” Pickett. Kansas City may have to wait a bit to see Pickett up close, as she said she will stay in school to play the spring season.
With his second pick in the first round, number 5 overall, Racing Louisville looked close to home and selected Emina Ekic, the University of Louisville midfielder.
The Portland Thorns moved up through the No. 7 pick, the No. 1 pick. 32 pick and swap an international lock of 2021 to the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for the overall number 6. The Thorns use the pick to select Yazmeen Ryan, Texas Christian University midfielder.