Racing Louisville selected University of North Carolina defender Emily Fox first in Wednesday’s NWSL draft, while Washington Spirit chose Trinity Rodman with second choice.
American under-20 striker Rodman is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman.
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Fox, 22, is one of the few available players who has experience with the United States women’s team. Fox, who can also play in midfield, has made three international appearances and has also served extensively in the United States’ under-20 team.
“I’m super excited,” said Fox of the US training camp in Orlando, Florida. “I know [Louisville manager Christy Holly] from the past, when he served on the national team as an assistant.
“So, talking to him, he telling me about the culture, everything they’ve saved, the facilities, the girls on the team, I’m so excited to be there and be part of the team.”
Rodman, 18, was a finalist for the United States Women’s Football Team of the Year and stood out for the United States’ Under-20 Team, scoring eight goals and adding six assists in the CONCACAF 2020 Women’s Under-20 Championship last March. Rodman enrolled in Washington State, but never managed to run for the Cougars after the 2020 high school season was postponed to this spring.
“Just being in the draft with my situation and my age is insane, but being number two on an incredible team is out of this world, as if I can’t ask for anything more,” said Rodman. “DC has just had an incredible program, an incredible team. The coach [Richie Burke] it’s incredible. I talked to him a few times. I know he is a head coach, but I am very excited to be his player and to learn and improve. “
As for the influence of her famous father, Rodman said she is ready to be known as a top player on her own merits.
“He was an incredible athlete, and I took these genes from him, but I’m excited to be known as Trinity Rodman and not just as Rodman’s daughter,” she said. “I am excited to open my own path and improve on this journey.”
Sky Blue initially had the next two selections, but after taking UNC midfielder / striker Brianna Pinto as No. 3, the team opted to swap choice No. 4 for Kansas City for $ 175,000 in cash. Kansas City then used the choice to select Stanford defender Kiara “Kiki” Pickett. Kansas City may have to wait a while to see Pickett up close, as she said she will be in school to play in the spring.
With his second choice of the first round, No. 5 overall, Racing Louisville looked close to home, choosing the University of Louisville sock Emina Ekic.
The Portland Thorns moved up by switching to choice # 7, choice # 32 and a 2021 international slot for the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for choice # 6 overall. The Thorns chose Texas Christian University midfielder Yazmeen Ryan.