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NWSL 2022 College Draft: Every pick in rounds 1-4

(Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

As teams look to fill holes, increase depth or draft the next NWSL star, Just Women’s Sports has every pick for the 2022 NWSL College Draft.

Here’s a full list of all the draftees.

First Round

1. San Diego Wave FC

Naomi Girma, D, Stanford University

With the No. 1 overall pick of the draft, San Diego selected defender Naomi Girma out of Stanford University. A two-time Pac-12 Defender of the Year, Girma won the NCAA Championship with Stanford in 2019. Starting in 67 out of 68 career games, Girma is a solid defender who brings leadership experience, having captained Stanford for the past three seasons and served as captain of the U20 national team.

2. Racing Louisville FC

Jaelin Howell, M, Florida State University

After being passed on by San Diego, Jaelin Howell will take her talents to Louisville as the No. 2 overall pick of the college draft. The midfielder had a decorated career at Florida State, twice winning a national championship and earning First Team All-American honors as a senior. The 2020 MAC Hermann Trophy winner, Howell scored 14 goals in her college career while also recording 14 assists through 90 games.

3. North Carolina Courage

Emily Gray, M, Virginia Tech

As a midfielder, Gray will be able to fill some holes for the Courage after they traded away Sam Mewis to Kansas City. While the team added Brianna Pinto in a trade with Gotham FC, the addition of Gray will add more depth to the Courage’s midfield. Gray was excellent in her senior season, scoring 12 goals and adding eight assists for the Hokies – nearly half of the team’s total.

4. Racing Louisville FC 

Savannah DeMelo, CM, USC

DeMelo is a versatile midfielder, primarily being used as an attacking midfielder at USC but also holding the abilities to play out on the left or in a deeper role. This past fall also saw her play in a multitude of ways, including as a striker. Through 20 games played this season she scored four goals as well as seven assists. She’ll bolster a midfielder group that is now being led by Jessica McDonald after a trade with the North Carolina Courage.

5. Orlando Pride

Mia Fishel, F, UCLA

After departing with much of their roster during the offseason – including the departure of Alex Morgan to San Diego – the addition of Fishel is significant and could wind up being an absolute steal. In 59 games, she scored 32 goals and added 14 assists, moving into the Bruins’ top 10 all-time goal scorers in just three seasons. Not to mention, Fishel will be reuniting with her collegiate head coach in Amanda Cromwell, who was recently named head coach of the Orlando Pride.

6. North Carolina Courage

Diana Ordoñez, F, University of Virginia

A semifinalist for the 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy, Ordoñez’s 45 career goals is tied for third most all-time at Virginia. She led the ACC in goals during the 2021 season and is a three-time All-ACC selection, including a First Team selection in 2021. The Courage traded away Jessica McDonald to Racing Louisville FC for this pick, and Ordoñez should provide some depth to a line that is led by USWNT forward Lynn Williams.

7. Kansas City Current

Elyse Bennett, F, Washington State University

Bennett will be joining a forward group led by Jéssica Silva and Kristen Hamilton, giving her time to develop as a forward to the pro level. A high-powered scorer, Bennett spent five seasons at Washington State, playing in 93 games and scoring 26 goals while adding 12 assists. She had a career-high 10 goals in her senior season through 21 games and finished her season being named a Second Team All-American by the United Soccer Coaches organization.

8. OL Reign

Zsanett Kajan, F, St. John’s University

A forward out of Hungary, Kajan is an offensive powerhouse, having scored 16 goals in 18 games during the 2021 season. Throughout her five year career, the forward scored 45 goals in 87 career appearances and was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year twice. She also has national team experience, earning her first cap for the Hungarian National Team at 16 years old. While the Reign have a lot of depth at forward with Megan Rapinoe, Bethany Balcer and Tziarra King, Kajan will be able to develop her game with some of the NWSL’s best. 

9. San Diego Wave FC

Marleen Schimmer, M/F, Grand Canyon University

After transferring to Grand Canyon, Schimmer started in 15 games during the 2021 season, scoring 13 goals and notching 14 assists. She also has international experience, having played on the U17 German National Team at the 2017 U17 UEFA Championship. She’ll get to develop under one of the world’s best in San Diego with Alex Morgan and could compete for minutes in the 2022 season.

10. Orlando Pride

Caitlin Cosme, D, Duke University

Cosme anchored one of the top defenses of the country at center back, leading the Blue Devils in minutes played with 1,829 and scoring three goals. With the departure of Ali Krieger, Cosme could fight for minutes while also learning from Pride defender Amy Turner. 

11. Orlando Pride

Julie Doyle, F, Santa Clara University

A member of the 2020 National Champion Santa Clara Broncos, Doyle sat out the fall season after using up her eligibility. Excellent in 1-on-1 situations, Doyle can play either on the wing or underneath a lone striker. With the Pride looking to bolster their roster, she could step in immediately and compete for minutes. 

12. North Carolina Courage

Kaitlin Fregulia, D, Long Beach State University

The Courage continue to bolster their defense, which is led by Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett. As a redshirt senior during the 2021 season, Fregulia started in 18 games while amassing a total of 1,608 minutes. She led a defense that recorded five shutouts while also tallying one goal and one assist. While she may have an uphill battle when it comes to competing for playing time, Fregulia will be able to learn from some of the league’s best and could develop into a solid starter in North Carolina.

Second Round

13. Portland Thorns FC – Sydny Nasello, F, University of South Florida

14. Washington Spirit – Tinaya Alexander, F, Louisiana State University

15. Washington Spirit – Madison Elwell, M/F, Vanderbilt University

16. Racing Louisville FC – Charmé Morgan, D, Oklahoma State University

17. Kansas City Current – Chardonnay Curran, M, University of Oregon

18. Chicago Red Stars – Ava Cook, F, Michigan State University

19. Chicago Red Stars – Sammi Fisher, M, Notre Dame

20. OL Reign – Claudia Dickey, GK, University of North Carolina

21. OL Reign – Ryanne Brown, F, Wake Forest

22. Portland Thorns – Gabby Provenzano, D/M, Rutgers University

23. Washington Spirit – Lucy Shepherd, F/M, Hofstra University

24. NJ/NY Gotham FC – Kelly Ann Livingstone, D, Georgetown University

25. San Diego Wave FC – Sydney Pulver, M/D, Washington State University

26. Racing Louisville FC – Jordyn Bloomer, GK, University of Wisconsin

Third Round

27. San Diego Wave FC – Belle Briede, F/M, Stanford University

28. Angel City FC – Hope Breslin, M, University of Illinois

29. North Carolina Courage – Haleigh Stackpole, M/F, Ole Miss

30. Racing Louisville FC – Jenna Menta, F, Wake Forest

31. Orlando Pride – Jada Talley, F, USC

32. OL Reign – Kaile Halvorsen, M/F, Santa Clara University

33. OL Reign – Olivia Van Der Jagt, M, Washington University

34. Gotham FC – Hensley Hancuff, GK, Clemson University

35. Chicago Red Stars – Sarah Griffith, F, Purdue University

36. Angel City FC – Lily Nabet, M, Duke University

37. Chicago Red Stars – Kayla McKeon, M, University of Arkansas

38. Washington Spirit – Audrey Harding, F, UNC Wilmington

Fourth Round

39. Angel City FC – Miri Taylor, F, Hofstra University

40. San Diego Wave FC – Kayla Bruster, D, University of Georgia

41. Kansas City Current – Jenna Winebrenner, D, Texas Christian University

42. Racing Louisville FC – Sydney Cummings, D, Georgetown University

43. Kansas City Current – Izzy Rodriguez, D, Ohio State University

44. Houston Dash – Ryan Gareis, F, University of South Carolina

45. North Carolina Courage – Marisa Bova, GK, Purdue University

46. NJ/NY Gotham FC – Raleigh Loughman, M, University of Michigan

47. OL Reign – Marley Canales, M, UCLA

48. Portland Thorns – Natalie Beckman, F, University of Denver

49. Chicago Red Stars – Jayda Hylton-Pelaia, D, Arizona State University

50. Washington Spirit – Jordan Thompson, D, Gonzaga University

Phoenix Mercury, Golden State Valkyries Ride Upset Wins into the WNBA Weekend

Phoenix Mercury players including Satou Sabally huddle during a 2025 WNBA game against the New York Liberty.
Phoenix rose to No. 3 in the WNBA standings with Thursday's win over New York. (Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)

Two key upsets headlined Thursday's WNBA bill, sending the Phoenix Mercury soaring into third place in the league standings while the No. 6 Golden State Valkyries continued to outwit opponents.

The red-hot Mercury snagged their fourth straight win by taking down the No. 2 New York Liberty 89-81 on Thursday night, overcoming an 35-point performance from two-time MVP Breanna Stewart with five double-digit Phoenix scorers.

Meanwhile out West, the Valkyries stifled a surging No. 7 Fever, downing Indiana 88-77 in part by holding star guard Caitlin Clark to just 3-for-14 from the field — and 0-for-7 from behind the arc.

"We were being disruptive, we know that she doesn't like physicality, we know that she wants to get to that left step-back," Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase said about the Valkyries' strategy to effectively contain Clark.

Though the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx and 2024 WNBA champions New York still hold court atop the table, Thursday's actions proves that other squads are making some unexpected in-roads.

Putting together an impressive road record are the Mercury, who will ride a 4-2 away record into their Saturday matchup against the No. 11 Chicago Sky — the last stop on a four-game road trip that's been perfect for Phoenix thus far.

Already flipping the script on expectations is Golden State, with the 2025 expansion team rising despite relying on a hodgepodge roster as several players compete at EuroBasket 2025. The Valkyries will aim to keep their winning momentum in their Sunday clash with the No. 12 Connecticut Sun.

How to watch the Mercury, Valkyries this weekend

Both of Thursday's victors will be back in action this weekend, with Phoenix facing Chicago at 1 PM ET on Saturday, airing live on ABC.

Then on Sunday, Golden State will host Connecticut at 8:30 PM ET, with live coverage on WNBA League Pass.

Las Vegas Aces Aim to Stop Skid Ahead of Tough WNBA Weekend Matchups

Las Vegas's A'ja Wilson tries to defend a lay-up from Seattle's Gabby Williams during a 2025 WNBA game.
The Las Vegas Aces will face both Seattle and Indiana this weekend. (Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)

In another weekend full of WNBA action, all eyes are on Las Vegas, as the No. 8 Aces will try to curb a two-game losing streak against two formidable opponents.

A successful weekend for Las Vegas could hinge on three-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson's potential return from injury, with the star forward recently upgraded to "questionable" after landing in concussion protocol last week.

Overall, the margin for error has narrowed in the middle of the WNBA pack, as talented teams continue to translate quality performances into consistency.

  • No. 5 Seattle Storm vs. No. 8 Las Vegas Aces, Friday at 10 PM ET (ION): The Aces will try to end their free fall in Friday's head-to-head battle with a Seattle side that can beat anybody at their best.
  • No. 7 Indiana Fever vs. No. 8 Las Vegas Aces, Sunday at 3 PM ET (ESPN): Las Vegas next faces a Fever team still smarting from Thursday's away loss to the Golden State Valkyries, with both teams narrowly clinging to positions above the playoff line.
  • No. 2 New York Liberty vs. No. 5 Seattle Storm, Sunday at 7 PM ET (WNBA League Pass): The Liberty have a comfortable hold on second place, but with two losses in their last three games, New York is flirting with danger entering their Sunday game with Seattle — particularly if star big Jonquel Jones is out after suffering a knock to the ankle on Thursday.

Ultimately, there's no rest for the weary in the WNBA, as a series of difficult matchups can see a single error quickly slide into a losing streak.

NWSL Kicks Off Final Gameday Slate Ahead of Summer Break

The San Diego Wave celebrate a goal by María Sánchez during a 2025 NWSL match.
The San Diego Wave will take on 2024 runners-up Washington on Sunday. (Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)

The final NWSL weekend heading into the league's six-week summer break has arrived, giving teams one more chance to prove themselves before regular-season play pauses to make way for major international tournaments.

With a five-point gap separating No. 1 Kansas City from No. 2 Orlando in the NWSL standings, the Current will enter the break as the 2025 Shield frontrunners regardless of this weekend's results.

Despite Kansas City's grip atop the table, there's still plenty of room for movement both above and below the postseason cutoff line, as clubs across the NWSL look to wrap their midseason finales on a high note:

  • No. 1 Kansas City Current vs. No. 10 Angel City FC, Friday at 8 PM ET (Prime): Angel City has a shot at launching themselves above the cutoff line on Friday, but they'll have to snap the Current's five-game winning streak to make it happen.
  • No. 8 Gotham FC vs. No. 9 Bay FC, Saturday at 7:30 PM ET (ION): Gotham and Bay FC enter the weekend tied on points while staring at each other from on opposite sides of the playoff line — meaning a Saturday win for either club could set the tone for the rest of the 2025 season.
  • No. 3 San Diego Wave FC vs. No. 4 Washington Spirit, Sunday at 10 PM ET (CBS Sports): The weekend's only top-table clash could see San Diego sprint back into second place — unless Washington leapfrogs the upstart Wave to claim the third-place spot.

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Ups Purse to $12 Million, Ties LPGA Tour Record

Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul hits a shot during the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship.
Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul is in the lead after one round at the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The LPGA Tour has turned its attention to Texas, with the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship — the third major of the pro golf season — teeing off in Frisco to a flurry of first-round action on Thursday.

All of the sport's Top 100 athletes are participating in this week's event, including No. 1 Nelly Korda, who sits in a 14th-place tie with an even-par first-round performance, and surging US dark horse No. 50 Lexi Thompson, who tied for 10th in her Thursday return from a brief retirement.

However, leading the pack heading into Friday's second round is Thailand's world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, who finished the first day of competition atop the leaderboard with a score of 4-under-par.

Australia's No. 24 Minjee Lee also posted a strong start, capping Thursday at 3-under to sit in second place.

While the sport's best chase victory on the links, the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship is already making history off the green.

Not only is it the first-ever women's major to tee off at Frisco's Fields Ranch East, the tournament also increased its purse to $12 million on Tuesday — nearly tripling the $4.5 million prize pool from just four years ago and tying the US Women's Open for the LPGA Tour's highest payout in the process.

How to watch the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

The third LPGA Grand Slam of 2025 continues through Sunday.

Friday's second round will air live on the Golf Channel, while coverage of Saturday and Sunday's final rounds will air across NBC and Peacock.

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