North Texas Soccer alums Kamar Marriott and Camden Riley were selected in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, while Julie James and Kaycie Tillman heard their names called in the 2019 NWSL College Draft. Each draft took place in conjunction with the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention, which took place Jan. 9-13, 2019 in Chicago.
Marriott was taken by Sporting Kansas City with the 21st pick in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft. Marriott played his college soccer at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he was selected to the Atlantic-Sun First Team and NSCAA All-Southeast Region Second Team. Marriott won multiple North Texas State Cup titles with FC Dallas 97 Premier in addition to a US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championship and US Youth Soccer National League title. Marriott also reached the finals of the 2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships and was named to the tournament’s Best XI team.
Kamar Marriott's goal at the 2014 National Championships
Sporting Kansas City picked another player from North Texas when they selected Riley in the second round with the 45th overall pick. The Dallas native was a United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American, MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and the West Coast Conference Player of the Year while playing for the University of the Pacific. Riley played on Dallas Texans 97 Dallas from 2007-2015 and won the 2011 North Texas State Cup. Riley and his Dallas Texans team also won the 2011 Southern Regional Championship and placed third at the 2011 National Championships.
Julie James with Sting in 2011
James was chosen by Sky Blue FC with the 11th pick in the second round of the NWSL College Draft. Last year in January, James was called into the U.S. Soccer Under-23 Women’s National Team camp. While playing at Baylor University, James was named to the 2018 United Soccer Coaches All-American First Team and was featured on the All-Big 12 First Team three times. The Fairview, Texas native won the 2011 North Texas State Cup, 2011 US Youth Soccer South Region Championships and 2011 National Championships with Sting. James was also named to the 2011 National Championships Best XI squad.
Kaycie Tillman with Sting in 2011
Tillman will join the North Carolina Courage after being selected with the 36th overall pick in the fourth round. Tillman won the 2018 NCAA National Championship while playing with Florida State University and was named to the NSCAA All-Southeast Region First Team in 2016. The Rowlett, Texas native joined James on the Sting 97 team that won the 2011 North Texas State Cup, 2011 US Youth Soccer South Region Championships and 2011 National Championship.