Sandy UT (1/12/17)
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) held their 5th annual NWSL College Draft today in Los Angeles, CA. It was a memorable one for 40 young ladies as they finished their college careers and took the first step to what is hopefully a long professional career playing the sport they love.
The 2017 NWSL College Draft was a special one for the state of Utah as it saw two of its own be drafted within the first 11 picks of the draft, as well as one of its adopted players in BYU graduate Ashley Hatch. The two UYSA alumnae are Darian Jenkins from Riverton, UT formerly of Sparta United Soccer Club and UCLA, and Michele Vasconcelos from Sandy, UT formerly of Olympique Montreux FC and BYU.
Darian Jenkins is a forward/midfielder who was drafted 7th overall by the newly founded NC Courage where she will be joining BYU forward Ashley Hatch the 2nd overall pick in this year's draft. Michele Vasconcelos is also a forward/midfielder who was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Red Stars who traded up to grab the talented player out of BYU.
Congratulations to all three ladies and UYSA is grateful for the opportunity Darian and Michele gave us to help them achieve their dreams. Good luck in the future, we'll be watching.

(Michele Vasconcelos- Olympique Montreux FC) (Darian Jenkins- Sparta United Soccer Club)