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NWSL announces list of players available in college draft

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The 2022 NWSL College Draft is on Saturday, with the NWSL announcing on Tuesday the full list of players available to be drafted.

As expected, Florida State midfielder Jaelin Howell has declared for the NWSL College Draft and will likely be selected first overall by San Diego, sources told Just Women’s Sports.

Others included on the list are Naomi Girma from Stanford and Penelope Hocking from Southern California, Just Women’s Sports’ projected second and third picks in the draft.

The 2022 NWSL Draft presented by Ally will stream live on Paramount+, the CBS Sports HQ Twitch channel and on the CBS Sports HQ and NWSL YouTube channels. CBS Sports HQ will also stream the draft from 2-4 PM, ET. Both drafts will stream internationally outside the U.S. on the NWSL’s Twitch channel.

Final list of players registered for the 2022 NWSL Draft, in alphabetical order:

Last Name First Name School/University Position(s) Played Hometown Youth Club Citizenship
Adams Haileigh University of Colorado – Boulder Defender Pasadena, California Golden State United States
Adams Leslie Siena College Goalkeeper Collegeville, PA Reading Rage United States
Alexander Tinaya Louisiana State University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Reading, England Arsenal Women Youth Academy United Kingdom
Anderson Taylor University of Richmond Midfielder Peachtree Corners, Georgia Concorde Fire United States
Arthurs Carli Stephen F. Austin State University Forward, Defender Lewisville, Texas Solar Soccer Club United States
Aviza Shannon St. John’s University Midfielder, Defender Medway, Massachusetts Boston Breakers United States
Bardes Erica Central Connecticut State University Midfielder, Defender Montvale, New Jersey World Class FC United States
Bass Jasmine New Jersey City University Forward, Midfielder Middletown, New York TOWS (Town of Walkill Soccer Club) United States
Beckman Natalie University of Denver Forward, Midfielder Aurora, Colorado Colorado Rapids (Colorado Storm) United States
Beletic Isabella University of Incarnate Word Midfielder, Defender Corpus Christi, Texas Classics Elite / Athenians United States
Belisle Mollie University of Georgia Forward Atlanta, Georgia Concorde Fire United States
Bennett Elysa Washington State University Forward De Pere, Wisconsin FC Wisconsin Eclipse (ECNL) United States
Bentick Aysha University of Louisiana – Monroe Midfielder, Defender London, England Millwall Lionesses United Kingdom
Berry Olivia Benedictine College Goalkeeper Cedar Hill, Missouri WC St. Louis United States
Bike Jenna Boston College Forward Trumbull, Connecticut Connecticut Football Club United States
Bloomer Jordyn University of Wisconsin – Madison Goalkeeper Hartland, Wisconsin FC Wisconsin United States
Bostard Haley Grand Canyon University Midfielder, Defender Discovery Bay, California West Coast Wild United States
Bova Marisa Purdue University Goalkeeper Hartland, Wisconsin SC Waukesha (SC Wave) United States
Breslin Hope University of Illinois Forward, Mifielder Massapequa, New York East Meadow Soccer Club United States
Briede Belle Stanford University Forward, Midfielder Alpharetta, Georgia Tophat Soccer Club United States
Brown Ryanne Wake Forest University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Indianapolis, Indiana Indiana Fire United States
Brummett Gabi University of Portland Forward, Midfielder Bow, New Hampshire FC Stars of Massachusetts United States
Bruster Kayla University of Georgia Defender Smyrna, Georgia Tophat Soccer Club United States
Caffey Tiana Louisiana State University Midfielder, Defender Port St. Lucie, Florida Space Coast United United States
Cahalan Claire University of Toledo Forward, Mifielder Ann Arbor, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Camberos Scarlett University of California – Irvine Forward, Midfielder Chula Vista, California Albion Soccer Club United States/Mexico
Campbell Raenah Drexel University Forward Skaneateles, New York Syracuse Developmental Academy United States
Canales Marley University of California – Los Angeles Midfielder San Diego, California San Diego Surf United States
Cardozo Ashley Utah State University Forward, Midfielder Salt Lake City, Utah La Roca United States
Cavanaugh Meghan University of South Florida Forward, Midfielder Clifton Park, New York New York Elite FC United States
Chang Lauren University of South Carolina Midfielder Alpharetta, Georgia Tophat Soccer Club United States
Cherry Mackenzie Coastal Carolina University Midfielder, Defender Canton, Georgia Atlanta Concorde Fire ECNL United States
Cleverley Daisy Georgetown University Midfielder Auckland, New Zealand Western Springs Club AFC New Zealand
Coleman Gabriella Oklahoma State University Forward Keller, Texas D’Feeters Soccer Club/ DKSC United States
Cook Ava Michigan State University Forward Battle Creek, Michigan Midwest United – Kalamazoo United States
Correa De Oliveira Julia Chicago State University Forward, Midfielder Canoas, Brazil EC Pelotas Phoenix Brazil
Cosme Caitlin Duke University Defender New Hyde Park, New York Albertson Fury 98 United States
Cowart Jessika University of Washington Midfielder, Defender Redwood City, California Palo Alto Soccer Club United States
Cummings Sydney Georgetown University Defender Millstone Township, New Jersey FC Copa Academy United States
Curran Chardonnay University of Oregon Midfielder, Defender Ewa Beach, Hawaii Hawaii Rush United States
DeMarco Giovanna Wake Forest University Midfielder Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania Match Fit Academy United States
DeMelo Savannah University of Southern California Forward, Midfielder Bellflower, California Beach Futbol Club United States
Dennis Chyanne University of South Florida Midfielder, Defender Sunrise, Florida Orlando City ECNL United States/Jamaica
DePriest Peyton Middle Tennessee State University Forward, Midfielder Franklin, Tennessee Tennessee Soccer Club United States
Dickey Claudia University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Goalkeeper Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte Soccer Academy United States
Dierickx Natalie Western Washington University Goalkeeper Kirkland, Washington Crossfire Premier FC United States
DiGenova Marissa Temple University Forward, Midfielder, Defender King of Prussia, Pennsylvania FC Delco United States
Diwura Soale Wasila Louisiana State University Midfielder Accra, Ghana Hasaacas Ladies FC Ghana
Doyle Darby Western Washington University Midfielder Spokane, Washington Spokane Shadow G98 United States
Doyle Julie Santa Clara University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Newport Beach, California San Diego Surf Soccer Club United States
Edwards Hannah Grand Canyon University Defender Aurora, Colorado Colorado Storm ECNL United States
Elwell Madison Vanderbilt University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Ambler, Pennsylvania YMS Xplosion United States
Enciso Sabrina University of Arizona Defender Moreno Valley, California SoCal Blues United States
Fishel Mia University of California – Los Angeles Forward, Midfielder San DIego, California San Diego Surf SC United States
Fisher Samantha University of Notre Dame Forward, Midfielder Simi Valley, California Real So Cal United States
Fregulia Kaitlin Cal State University – Long Beach Forward, Defender Torrance, California Beach Futbol Club United States
Frerker Andrea Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Midfielder, Defender Maryville, Illinois Loufusz Soccer Club United States
Gareis Ryan University of South Carolina Forward Naperville, Illinois Sockers FC Chicago ECNL United States
Gee Tatum Princeton University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Long Beach, California Beach Futbol Club United States
Girma Naomi Stanford University Defender San Jose, California N/A United States
Golob Lana Virgina Commonwealth University Defender Recica ob Paki, Slovenia ŽNK Nona Pomurje Slovenia
Grant Jazmin University of Houston Forward, Midfielder Atascocita , Texas Texas Rush United States
Gray Emily Virginia Tech University Midfielder Sewell, New Jersey Penn Fusion Soccer Academy United States
Green Deanna University of South Alabama Midfielder, Defender Madison, Mississippi Mississippi Rush United States
Griffith Sarah Purdue University Forward, Midfielder Naperville, Illinois Team Chicago United States
Grosso Julia University of Kentucky Midfielder, Defender Sunrise, Florida Sunrise Sting United States
Guion Renee Clemson University Defender Simpsonville, South Carolina Carolina Elite Soccer Academy United States
Halvorsen Kaile Santa Clara University Forward, Midfielder Honolulu, Hawaii Surf Hawaii United States
Hancuff Hensley Clemson University Goalkeeper Edmond, Oklahoma Orlando Pride DA Club United States
Hand Jacqueline Colorado College Forward, Midfielder Auckland, New Zealand Auckland Football Federation New Zealand
Hansen Taylor University of Montana Defender Cardiff by the Sea, California San Diego Surf Soccer Club United States
Harber Jojo Stanford University Forward, Defender Bellevue, Washington Eastside FC/Crossfire ECNL United States
Harding Audrey University of North Carolina – Wilmington Forward, Midfielder Akron, Ohio Ohio Premier United States
Harkleroad Emma University of South Dakota Goalkeeper Geneva, Illinois Strikers Fox Valley United States
Harr Jordie Texas Tech University Forward, Midfielder Sachse, Texas Sting Soccer United States
Harriot Madiya Vanderbilt University Midfielder, Defender Davie, Florida Sunrise Sting United States
Harris Tiana Kent State University Defender Whitby, Canada FC Durham Academy Canada
Heckman Isabel Murray State University Defender Powder Springs, Georgia Southern Soccer Academy United States
Hopcroft Shanade University of Colorado – Boulder Forward, Midfielder Aylesbury, England Middlesex U17’s United Kingdom
Howell Jaelin Florida State University Midfielder Lone Tree, Colorado Real Colorado United States
Hussen Ameera University of Washington Forward, Midfielder Federal Way, Washington Crossfire Premier FC United States
Hylton-Pelaia Jayda Arizona State University Defender Brampton, Ontario Woodbridge Soccer Club Canada
Ikeda Angelique Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Midfielder, Defender Saint Charles, Missouri Loufusz Soccer Club United States
Irwin Jamie University of New Hampshire Defender Roxbury, New Jersey STA Morris United United States
Jacobs Karen San Bernardino Valley College Forward Redlands, California Pateadores Soccer Club United States
Jacobsen Eden University of Utah Midfielder North Salt Lake, Utah La Roca United States
Kajan Zsanett St. John’s University Forward, Midfielder Budapest, Hungary Ferencvarosi Torna Club Hungary
Kearse-Thomas Olivia Arizona State University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Phoenix, Arizona Del Sol United States
Kelley-Lusk Hannah West Texas A&M University Forward Farmington, New Mexico N/A United States
Killman Jenna Western Washington University Forward, Midfielder Olympia, Washington Washington Premier FC United States
Kirton Alexa University of New Mexico Midfielder Sammamish, Washington Eastside FC United States
Knox Alexus Georgia State University Defender Powder Springs, Georgia BUSA ECNL United States
Kowalski Amanda Butler University Midfielder, Defender Arlington Heights, Illinois Eclipse Select Soccer Club United States
Kouzelos Gabrielle University of Louisville Goalkeeper Wadsworth, Ohio Internationals Soccer Club United States
Kuehn Athena Lousiana State University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Colorado Springs, Colorado Colorado Pride Predators United States/Germany
LaMacchia Elaina University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Forward, Midfielder, Defender, Goalkeeper Mequon, Wisconsin SC Waukesha United States
Lampe Brooke University of North Texas Forward, Midfielder, Defender, Goalkeeper Mansfield, Texas Solar Chelsea ZuaZua United States
Laurendeau Marika The College of Saint Rose Goalkeeper Sainte-Julie, Canada CS Longueuil Canada
Layne Emerson Loveland High School Forward, Midfielder Fort Collins, Colorao Real Colorado United States
Leal Amanda Cal State University – Stanislaus Goalkeeper Mountain House, California West Coast Soccer Club United States
Lee Shannon Claire George Mason University Defender Haymarket, Virginia McLean ECNL United States
Lewis Sofia Minot State University Forward, Midfielder Minot, North Dakota Minot Soccer Association United States
Livingstone Kelly Ann Georgetown University Midfielder, Defender Glen Ridge, New Jersey Match Fit Academy United States
Loughman Raleigh University of Michigan Midfielder San Diego, California MVLA Soccer Club United States/Argentina
Lucci Carolina Chowan University Forward Monaca, Pennsylvania North United United States
Lundgren Jenna Western Illinois University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Elmhurst, Illinois Oak Brook Soccer Club, Eclipse United States
Martin Molly University of Mississippi Forward, Midfielder Memphis, Tennessee Memphis Lobos/BUSA United States
Mayer Anna Missouri Western State University Goalkeeper Duluth, Minnesota East Select Soccer United States
McCarthy Robyn Cal State University – Fresno Midfielder, Defender Brentwood, California West Coast Soccer Club United States
McClure Megan Arkansas State University Goalkeeper Webster Groves, Missouri St. Louis Scott Gallagher (ECNL) and United Women’s Soccer (UWS) United States
McLaughlin Christine Christendom College Forward, Midfielder, Defender Fauquier, Virginia Virginia Soccer Association United States
McManus Mikenna Northeastern University Defender Lake Forest, California West Coast Futbol Club United States
McMillan Caylon Stephen F. Austin State University Midfielder Forney, Texas FC Dallas 98G ECNL United States
McNally Natalie Western Carolina University Defender Grayslake, Illinois Greater Libertyville Soccer Association United States
McNulty Hannah Providence College Forward Warwick, Rhode Island Bayside FC United States
Medina Jodi Alabama A&M University Goalkeeper Coral Springs, Florida Coral Springs United FC United States
Menta Jenna Wake Forest University Forward, Midfielder Somers, New York New York Soccer Club United States
Miagkova Alina Syracuse University Defender Lipetsk, Russia Lokomotiv Moscow Russia
Mitchell Alexis University of South Dakota Midfielder Lee’s Summit, Missouri Sporting Blue Valley ECNL United States
Morgan Charmé Oklahoma State University Midfielder, Defender Frisco, Texas Dallas Texans United States
Moser Louisa George Mason University Forward, Goalkeeper Fairfax, Virginia SC Freiburg Germany
Murnin Madison University of Central Florida Midfielder, Defender Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville FC United States
Myers Erica University of Tennessee – Martin Goalkeeper Holland, Ohio Metro FC Toledo United States
Nabet Lily Duke University Midfielder Los Angeles, California Real So Cal United States
Nasello Sydny University of South Florida Defender Millstone Township, New Jersey FC Copa Academy United States
Ochoa Rodriguez Paola Missouri Valley College Forward, Midfielder Sioux City, Iowa South Sioux Soccer United States
Ordoñez Diana University of Virginia Forward Prosper, Texas FC Dallas United States
Palacios Randi Liberty University Goalkeeper Ashburn, Virginia Football Club of Virginia United States
Pantaleao Ermelinda University of Louisiana – Monroe Defender Belo Horizonte, Brazil N/A Brazil
Pedroza Siera Hope International University Forward, Midfielder, Goalkeeper Tustin, California Wolfpack United States
Perez Maia University of Hartford Goalkeeper Kentwood, Michigan Midwest United  FC Women United States
Peters Sarah University of Kansas Goalkeeper Lee’s Summit, Missouri Sporting DA United States
Peterson Karstyn Utah State University Forward, Defender West Haven, Utah La Roca United States
Philpotts Rachel University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Midfielder, Defender Linden, Michigan Nationals Soccer Club United States
Potts Nicola Ball State University Forward, Midfielder Nuneaton, England Aston Villa Women United Kingdom
Proulx Lysianne Syracuse University Goalkeeper Boucherville, Canada AS Varennes Canada
Provenzano Gabby Rutgers University Midfielder, Defender Sergeantsville, New Jersey Players Development Academy United States
Pulver Sydney Washington State University Midfielder, Defender Parker, Colorado Real Colorado United States
Pursey Valentine Western Carolina University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Ticehurst, England Brighton and Hove Albion United Kingdom
Rabot Iris James Madison University Midfielder Lyon, France Olympique Lyonnais France
Reiss de Araujo Thais University of North Florida Forward, Midfielder, Defender Jacksonville, Florida U-17/U-20 Brazilian National Team Brazil
Reyes Calista Pepperdine University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Las Vegas, Nevada Eagles Soccer Club United States
Ries Taryn University of Portland Forward Ridgefield, Washington FC Portland United States
Ritchie-Williams Chiara Louisiana State University Midfielder, Defender London, England Arsenal Women’s Football Club United Kingdom
Rockwell Jenna University of the Cumberlands Defener London, Kentucky Lexington FC United States
Rodriguez Izzy Ohio State University Midfielder, Defender Canton, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Roelfsema Mijke Rice University Midfielder, Defender Schoonhoven, Netherlands ADO Den Haag Netherlands
Ross Julianne Northeastern University Defender Cumberland, Rhode Island Boston Breakers/NEFC United States
Salvador Romane California Baptist University Goalkeeper Lyon, France Paris Saint-Germain PSG France
Santos Ashley Illinois State University Midfielder, Defender Naperville, Illinois Team Chicago Academy United States
Sapp Mercedes University of North Florida Goalkeeper Orlando, Florida Orlando City Elite United States
Schill MacKenzie University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Forward, Midfielder Pewaukee, Wisconsin SC Wave United States
Schimmer Marleen Grand Canyon University Forward, Midfielder Mainz, Germany TSV Schott Mainz Germany
Sever Jelena University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Forward, Midfielder Milwaukee, Wisconsin United Serbians Soccer Club United States
Shepherd Lucy Hofstra University Forward Worcester, England Aston Villa Women United Kingdom
Silva Santos Ana Paula WIlliam Carey University Midfielder Sao Paulo, Brazil N/A Brazil
Skiba Bridgette Oregon State University Goalkeeper Portland, Oregon Westside Timbers United States
Sodoma Sarah Arkansas State University Midfielder, Defender St. Louis, Missouri Lou Fusz Soccer Club United States
Stackpole Haleigh University of Mississippi Forward, Midfielder Bowling Green, Kentucky NC Courage Academy United States
Stauffer Annie Transylvania University Midfielder, Defender Owensboro, Kentucky Indy Fire Juniors ECNL United States
Steigleder Regan Northwestern University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Iowa City, Iowa Michigan Hawks United States
Steinwascher Cecelia Grand Valley State University Midfielder, Defender Sterling Heights, Michigan N/A United States
Stephan Dani Michigan State University Midfielder, Defender DeWitt, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Stevenson Erin University of Maryland – Baltimore County Midfielder, Defender Sellersville, Pennsylvania FC Bucks United States
Suarez Quevedo Sara Chicago State University Forward, Midfielder Las Palmas, Spain Union Viera Spain
Talbot Madeline Stephen F. Austin State University Goalkeeper Shreveport, Louisiana Shreveport United United States
Talley Jada University of Southern California Forward Corona, California So Cal Blues United States
Taylor Miriael Hofstra University Forward, Midfielder, Defender Kent, England Chelsea Women, Arsenal Women United Kingdom
Thomas Haley Boston College Midfielder, Defender Kennewick, Washington Three Rivers Soccer Club United States
Thompson Jordan Gonzaga University Defender Sumner, Washington Washington Premier FC United States
Thompson Kayla Brown University Goalkeeper Austin, Texas Lonestar Soccer Club United States
Thron Julietta Northwestern University Midfielder, Defender Caldwell, New Jersey Matchfit FC United States
Tripp Amber Utah Valley University Forward, Midfielder Draper, Utah Utah Avalanche United States
Van der Jagt Olivia University of Washington Midfielder Kent, Washington Eastside FC United States
Villagrana Yossimar Butler Community College Midfielder Wichita, Kansas Wichita Kansas Rush United States
Walker Ellie University of Portland Defender Vancouver, Washington FC Portland United States
Wandt Jennifer Baylor University Goalkeeper Brookfield, Wisconsin FC Wisconsin United States
Weaver Camille Colorado College Midfielder, Defender Bend, Oregon Bend FC Timbers United States
Wegener Emory University of Georgia Goalkeeper Alpharetta, Georgia Atlanta Fire United United States
West Alex University of Vermont Midfielder, Defender New York, New York Albertson Fury United States
Westin Emma University of California – Berkeley Forward, Midfielder Stockholm, Sweden Boo FF Sweden Sweden
Whitmore Lindsey Southern Methodist University Forward, Midfielder Henderson, Nevada Heat FC United States
Winebrenner Jenna Texas Christian University Defender Kansas City, Missouri Futura FC United States
Wiseman Ebony James Madison University Midfielder King’s Lynn, England Norwich City FC United Kingdom
Wolfbauer Madison Bowling Green State University Forward, Midfielder Canton, Michigan Michigan Hawks United States
Zamiela Chloe University of South Florida Forward, Defender Stuart, Florida Sunrise SC United States
Zerva Theoni University of Louisiana – Monroe Midfielder, Defender Kalamata, Greece PAOK Greece
Zullo Luciana University of South Carolina Forward, Midfielder Flemington, New Jersey PDA United States
Zuniga Jenna Cal State University – Stanislaus Midfielder, Defender Manteca, California Davis Legacy United States

Nelly Korda ties LPGA record with fifth-straight tournament win

Nelly Korda of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning The Chevron Championship
Nelly Korda poses with her trophy after acing her fifth-straight tour title at The Chevron Championship on Sunday. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

25-year-old American pro golfer Nelly Korda secured her spot in LPGA history on Sunday, notching her fifth-straight title at this weekend's Chevron Championship in The Woodlands, Texas.

Ranked No. 1 in the world by Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Korda joins Nancy Lopez (1978) and Annika Sörenstam (2005) as just the third LPGA player to rack up five consecutive tour wins. She is also the third No. 1-ranked player to capture The Chevron Championship victory since the rankings debuted in 2006, accompanied by Lorena Ochoa and Lydia Ko.

The Florida native shot three-under 69 in Sunday's final, besting Sweden's Maja Stark despite Stark's valiant come-from-behind attempt in the 18th. Korda finished with a four-day total of 13-under 275, celebrating her two-stroke win by cannonballing into Poppie's Pond, much to the crowd's delight. She left The Club at Carlton Woods with $1.2 million from an overall purse of $7.9 million.

It wasn't long ago that the two-time major champion's current winning streak seemed unimaginable. After maintaining her No. 1 position for 29 weeks, Korda underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from her left arm in 2022. She returned to the course not long after, but failed to win a single tournament in 2023 before seeing a surge in form during the first four months of 2024. As of today, she hasn't lost a tournament since January.

Korda will attempt a record sixth-straight win at next week's JM Eagle LA Championship at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles, where she'll vie for a cut of the $3.75 million purse.

Smith and Swanson shine in action-packed NWSL weekend

sophia smith celebrates after a goal for the portland thorns
Sophia Smith's 27th-minute goal paved the way for Portland's first win of the season. (Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports)

USWNT regulars Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson furthered their cases for Olympic inclusion with their respective club victories on Saturday and Sunday.

After a roller coaster of a week that saw former Thorns head coach Mike Norris reassigned and a flurry of last-minute roster reshufflings as Friday's trade window closure loomed, the NWSL sprung to life over the weekend with standout performances from ninth-place Portland and third-place Chicago, among others.

After her blocked attempt at goal set up a volleying sixth-minute opener from veteran Christine Sinclair — now the only player in history to record a goal in all 11 NWSL seasons — Smith swiftly netted her own in the 27th minute off a breakaway run that eluded Houston's backline. The goal represented Smith's third of the season as well as her 35th for the Thorns, ultimately leading to the home side's first win of the season in a 4-1 routing of the Dash.

But that wasn't Smith's only stat of the evening. The star forward also lapped former Chicago Red Star Sam Kerr to become the youngest player to reach 50 NWSL goal contributions across all games, chalking up 40 goals and 10 assists at the age of 23 years and 254 days.

"Obviously it feels good to get a win," said Smith in a post-match press conference. "But this is the standard the Thorns have always had. So a win is great, but a win is the expectation — we're hungrier than ever after the way we started."

170 miles up the road, Lumen Field similarly showcased some promising Olympic prospect footwork on Sunday. In Chicago's 2-1 victory over the lagging 13th-place Seattle Reign, striker Mallory Swanson racked up an impressive counterattack assist on fellow forward Ally Schlegel's fourth-minute goal. Swanson went on to find the back of the net herself before halftime, lacing an explosive ball into the top corner in the 31st minute, her second of the season after returning from a lengthy sidelining injury.

Speaking of injuries, fellow USWNT favorites Alex Morgan and Tierna Davidson were not as fortunate as their national squad teammates this weekend. Each exited their club matches early, Morgan with an ankle knock in San Diego's loss to Orlando and Davidson with an apparent hamstring incident early on in Washington's win over Gotham.

LSU takes first-ever NCAA gymnastics title

Kiya Johnson of the LSU Tigers reacts after winning the national championship during the Division I Women's Gymnastics Championships
Gymnast Kiya Johnson celebrates LSU's win at the NCAA Division I Women's Gymnastics Championships. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

LSU came out on top at the 2024 NCAA women's gymnastics championship in Fort Worth on Saturday, besting Cal, Utah, and Florida to capture their first-ever title.

The Tigers' win was far from a landslide. LSU took the first rotation handily thanks to 2024 All-Around winner Haleigh Bryant's team-leading 9.9375 backed by four additional 9.9+ scores from her teammates. But Utah then responded with three strong beam performances of their own, causing the Red Rocks to slide confidently into second place by the end of the second rotation.

By the halfway point, all four teams fell within .288 points of one another before Utah overtook the pack with a dominant floor showing after three rotations. LSU then went on to ace the beam event with Konnor McClain's meet-leading 9.9625 score, coming away with the highest collective score ever awarded to the event in NCAA championship history. The achievement propelled the Tigers to victory, ensuring them the title after the final rotation.

"This team is full of individuals that have incredible character and integrity and love for each other and all the things you hear from coaches when they sit at a podium like this in a moment of victory, but I promise you it's a real thing," said LSU coach Jay Clark in a post-meet press conference. "I'm just so happy for them."

Contributing to Saturday's atmosphere of excitement was the absence of last year's champion and this year's heavily favored Oklahoma Sooners. Hot off earning the highest team score in NCAA history just last month, the top-ranked Norman squad suffered a shocking loss in the semifinals, where five major mistakes contributed to a third-place finish and a season-low team score of 196.6625.

With Oklahoma out, it was truly anyone's game.

"Every team was out there fighting for their lives — all four teams, it could have gone any of four ways out there," Clark told reporters. "As much as I feel for what happened to Oklahoma in the semifinals, I think it made for a championship that became so packed with emotion because every team out there believed they could do it. It was just tremendous."

LSU is now the eighth program in the sport's history to earn an NCAA women's gymnastic championship.
They share the honor with Georgia, Utah, UCLA, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, and Michigan.

Cameron Brink likes Caitlin Clark for 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year

Cameron Brink poses with Caitlin Clark at 2024 wnba draft in new york
Cameron Brink poses with fellow draftee — and possible WNBA ROY —Caitlin Clark. (Photo by Emily Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

Cameron Brink already has her rookie of the year pick for the upcoming WNBA season, and it’s Indiana-bound star Caitlin Clark

In the latest edition of Kelley on the Street, host Kelley O'Hara caught up with Brink in New York hours before the Stanford phenom went No. 2 overall to the Los Angeles Sparks at the 2024 WNBA Draft. When O’Hara asked who would win the WNBA's rookie of the year, she answered without pause.

"Caitlin Clark," she said, while a fan commented that she thought Brink would take home the award. Brink later added that the extra foul granted to WNBA players will be "good for me."

"I hope it’s me," Charisma Osborne, who was later drafted by the Phoenix Mercury, said when asked her ROY prediction. "But, I don’t know — we’ll see."

Watch more of Kelley on the Street:

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