A pair of BYU women soccer players were selected in the second and third rounds of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League Draft on Thursday.
With the historic first draft pick in franchise history, the Utah Royals FC selected BYU defender Taylor Isom, a Sandy native who attended Alta High School, with the 14th overall pick in the second round in the NWSL Draft.
“I have an excitement for being drafted and to be home that I can’t even describe,” Isom said. “It is incredible for me to be a part of a program that wants to do amazing things for soccer and for the women’s game. I love that Laura and Dell Loy Hansen want to put women’s soccer exposure in the state of Utah. “
TFW your local club selects you in the @NWSL draft pic.twitter.com/Gpk4wOOoTY
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) January 18, 2018
Isom starred at BYU for four years, helping lead the Cougars to three consecutive WCC titles and three straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2014-16. She was named to the NSCAA All-America Second Team and named WCC Defensive Player of the Year following her junior campaign. Following her senior season, Taylor was named First Team All-WCC, her fourth all-conference selection.
BYU forward Nadia Gomes was selected in the third round, 23rd overall by the Orlando Pride. The 2015 WCC Player of the Year and NSCAA Third Team All-America selection joins a loaded forward group for an Orlando team coming of its first playoff appearance, led by five-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta and USWNT star Alex Morgan.
“The women’s league is huge and I’m excited to play here,” Gomes said while coming off the draft stage in Philadelphia. “I’m really excited to learn from them (Alex Morgan and Marta) and play with them.”
Former BYU Soccer Star Ashley Hatch Wins NWSL Rookie Of The Year Award
Ashley Hatch Traded
On Tuesday, the NWSL announced that former BYU star and current NWSL Rookie of the Year Ashley Hatch was traded to the Washington Spirit, along with defender Taylor Smith, with North Carolina receiving the rights to 2015 NWSL MVP Crystal Dunn in exchange. Dunn spent last season playing in England for Chelsea L.F.C. The Courage also received an international roster spot in the deal.
In just one season with North Carolina, Hatch tied the NWSL rookie record for goals in a season (7) and added an assist while helping the Courage win the NWSL Shield and appear in the NWSL Championship game.
Signing off as a member of Courage Country! I'm so grateful for every single one of you and for all the wonderful memories we share. ? I also want to thank @WashSpirit for welcoming me to their family. Looking forward to an exciting season full of new opportunity! ❤ pic.twitter.com/oThQRao94U
— Ashley Hatch (@ash_hatch33) January 17, 2018
