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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

Nike Spotlights Global Women’s Soccer Stars in New United Pack Cleats

Nike United cleats pack promotional image showing headshots of women's soccer stars flanked by neon lights.
Nike tapped six international women's soccer stars for their latest cleats. (Nike Football)

Nike put global women's soccer stars in the spotlight last week, debuting their new Nike United Pack cleats collection.

For the first time ever, the apparel giant is bringing together six athletes to launch a series of performance cleats. The subsequent United Pack was developed collaboration with some of the sport's biggest international names.

The United Pack hit shelves last week with three styles of boots: Tiempo, Mercurial, and Phantom. Each boot is paired with two top international footballers, whose names are emblazoned on the heels of their cleats.

Of course, the United Pack collection is one part of a larger Nike initiative. In recent weeks, the brand has bet big on women's sports via everything from Super Bowl ads to signature shoes.

Three nike united pack women's soccer cleats hover against a purple background.
The purple and Volt United Pack lineup pairs players with updated Nike mainstays. (Nike Football)

Spain and USWNT get top Nike United Pack billing

Spain midfielder Patricia Guijarro and USWNT center back Naomi Girma are backing the Tiempos, while forwards Lauren James of England and Spain's 2023 World Cup champion Salma Paralluelo feature on the Mercurials. The Phantoms showcase USWNT attacker Sophia Wilson (née Smith) and her Portland Thorns teammate, Venezuela's Deyna Castellanos,.

The collection honors all six players by emblazoning their names onto the cleat's sock liner.

A purple and Volt colorway also links the line. As does the upper surface, which is designed to look like shattered glass in a nod to the "new generation of athletes breaking through to the next era in football."

"What I like the most about this boot is that it was created with six different players who come from different backgrounds and play for different teams, but we all came together to create something special that we can share with the world," said Wilson in a Nike's press release.

"Being a part of this boom and just making people respect women's sports is exciting," added Girma. "It's going to be even better for the next generation."

Where to buy Nike United Pack cleats

Fans can now purchase the Nike United Pack cleats online and at select retail locations.

NCAA Softball Shows Growing Parity as Clearwater Invitational Kicks Off

Oklahoma State's Tallen Edwards scoops a grounder at the 2024 Women's College World Series.
No. 10 Oklahoma State stumbled twice in their 2025 NCAA softball opening weekend. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK)

The 2025 NCAA softball season is off to the races, with early season stumbles from perennial powerhouses illustrating the sport's growing parity.

No. 6 Tennessee, No. 8 Texas Tech, and No. 10 Oklahoma State all suffered weekend upsets. Tennessee fell 7-1 to No. 17 Nebraska while Texas Tech lost 3-1 to No. 19 Mississippi State in extra innings.

The Cowgirls, subsequently, turned heads during last weekend's Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.

After claiming a 9-6 victory over No. 9 Florida State on Thursday, Oklahoma State then stranded nine baserunners en route to a 6-1 loss to unranked Louisiana Tech on Friday.

After righting the ship with a mercy-rule blowout against Northern Colorado on Friday, the Cowgirls' bats fell short in a run-rule loss to the Seminoles on Saturday.

The 2-2 season start cost Oklahoma State six spots in the rankings, sending them sliding from their preseason No. 4 position.

Florida State catcher Michaela Edenfield looks up before the 2023 NCAA softball championship series.
Florida State will join other top NCAA softball teams at the 2025 Clearwater Invitational. (Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Top NCAA softball teams take aim at Clearwater's competition

The Cowgirls will have to get right back in the saddle. Oklahoma State will now join six other Top 25 programs in Florida for Thursday's Clearwater Invitational.

No. 4 UCLA and No. 5 Texas A&M plus the Cowgirls and Seminoles lead the 16-team lineup. The SEC's No. 12 Alabama, No. 16 Missouri, and No. 24 Kentucky will also compete.

The annual event often serves as a postseason preview. This year's field includes three of last year's Women's College World Series contenders, with 14 represented in the 2024 NCAA tournament.

UCLA pitcher Taylor Tinsley winds up during a 2024 NCAA softball game.
No. 4 UCLA and No. 10 Oklahoma State will kick off the Top-10 tilts at the 2025 Clearwater Invitational. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

How to watch NCAA softball at the 2025 Clearwater Invitational

All 40 games at the 2025 Clearwater Invitational will stream live across ESPN platforms. This includes 19 nationally televised matchups.

Clearwater runs Thursday through Sunday, with Oklahoma State kicking off the Top 10 action against UCLA at 3 PM ET on Friday. Live coverage of the Cowgirls vs. the Bruins will air on ESPN2.

Unrivaled Sets 1v1 Semifinals After Two Rounds of Head-to-Head Action

Mist BC's Aaliyah Edwards looks on during an Unrivaled 3x3 basketball game.
Aaliyah Edwards advanced to Unrivaled's 1v1 semifinals on Tuesday. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Unrivaled Basketball's 1v1 tournament blew through two rounds of cutthroat action on Tuesday night, setting up fierce competition for Friday's semifinals.

Mist forward Aaliyah Edwards, Rose forward Azurá Stevens, Lunar Owls forward Napheesa Collier, and Vinyl guard Arike Ogunbowale all advanced past their head-to-head opponents.

Each of the four semifinalists will take home at least $25,000, with $50,000 on deck for the tournament's runner-up and $200,000 awaiting the champion.

Additionally, with one player from four of Unrivaled's six teams still standing, two-thirds of the offseason league are still in the running for a piece of the $350,000 purse. The rules dictate that each 3×3 teammate of the champion will receive their own $10,000 check.

Edwards's star 1v1 turn propels her through Unrivaled quarterfinals

In what's shaking out to be the contest's top storyline, No. 8 seed Edwards shut out No. 1 seed Breanna Stewart 12-0 in the first round to earn a second-round bye. She then went on to take down a surging No. 3 seed Allisha Gray to secure a slot in the semis.

"Shouldn't be surprised," the 22-year-old Mystics star said after downing Gray 12-6. "Played my first year in the league, now I'm tapping into myself, and the confidence is showing and the work is showing."

Elsewhere, height and offensive versatility proved a winning formula for both No. 6 seed Stevens and No. 1 seed Collier, while No. 1 seed Ogunbowale is the last guard still standing.

All three ousted WNBA teammates to advance, with Ogunbowale sending her former Dallas Wings compatriot Satou Sabally out 12-8 while Collier handed fellow Lunar Owl and Minnesota Lynx contender Courtney Williams a 12-4 defeat. Stevens dominated her LA Sparks teammate Rae Burrell, sending her packing with a 12-2 victory.

How to watch Friday's Unrivaled 1v1 semifinals

Notably, Friday's semifinals will be heavy on UConn grads, with Notre Dame alum Ogunbowale the lone non-Husky hitting the court.

Ogunbowale will try to halt Edwards's run, while Collier and Stevens — who played together on two of UConn's Final Four rosters — will go head-to-head in the other semifinal.

Unrivaled's 1v1 semifinals and subsequent best-of-three championship series will tip off on Friday at 7:30 PM ET, with live coverage on TNT.

WNBA Considers Former Franchise Cities as Expansion Team Bids Mount

Charlotte Sting guard Dawn Staley directs a play during a 2002 WNBA game.
A bid to revive the Charlotte Sting has been submitted to the WNBA. (Garrett Ellwood/WNBAE/Getty Images)

The WNBA faces no shortage of cities interested in securing the league's 16th team. But some recent expansion bids are tapping into old memories and new promises as historic markets aim to get back into the game.

According to reports, the owners behind NBA side Charlotte Hornets are part of a group trying to bring back a team to the home city of the Charlotte Sting. The Sting were one of the original WNBA franchises, helping launch the league in 1997 before eventually folding in 2007.

The bid to return professional women's basketball to North Carolina is led by CardWorks SVP Erica Berman. The Berman family are already investors in Unrivaled, the offseason 3×3 basketball league that's currently stacked with WNBA stars.

Charlotte is far from the only vintage WNBA market hunting a return. The former hometowns of the Detroit Shock (1998-2009), Houston Comets (1997-2008), and Cleveland Rockers (1997-2003) have also entered the expansion ring, after all formally submitted bids to the league.

There's also new evidence that the WNBA is looking to revive some of the historic teams. Within days of the league's January 30th bid deadline, the WNBA filed trademark applications for the Sting, Shock, Rockers, Comets, and Miami Sol should any of those cities secure the newest franchise.

The Houston Comets' Roneeka Hodges, Sheryl Swoopes, and Dawn Staley discuss a play during a 2006 WNBA game.
Retro WNBA teams like the four-time champion Houston Comets could return to the league. (Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Rookie expansion teams join historic WNBA heavyweights

Though some cities have history on their side, competition is fierce when it comes to WNBA expansion. The league has seen an explosion of interest from numerous ownership groups all vying to receive a franchise nod.

In addition to the throwback cities, new markets in Austin, Denver, Kansas City, Nashville, and Philadelphia have also expressed a desire to join the league.

The WNBA is currently on track for 16 total teams by 2028, with Golden State, Toronto, and Portland already claiming the 13th, 14th, and 15th franchises, respectively.

With just one slot still up for grabs, leadership faces tough decisions as the league must turn down — or, at least, table — multiple bids as it considers a healthy growth rate.

However, for many ownership groups, building a WNBA team is more a matter of when, not if.

When asked about the Shock's potential return during a recent Detroit Pistons game, NBA commissioner Adam Silver cut to the chase.

"I actually think it’s really just a question of when the Shock comes back.," he said. "Over time, there’s going to be a lot of expansion in the WNBA." 

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