The National Women's Soccer League shared the final list of over 200 players who have registered for the 2024 NWSL Draft and three with New Jersey connections are hoping to have their names called. The NWSL Draft will take place Friday, January 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
Princeton defender Madi Curry, Rutgers' Sam Kroeger, and The Citadel's Dani Etienne are on the list of eligible players.
Curry is the most likely of the three to be drafted this year. In years past, Ivy League players were often times overlooked, being passed over for those that have competed in larger conferences. However the Ivy League has seen it's success become more prevalent, which should result in players like Curry being given a longer look. The Coto de Caza, California native started and played in all 18 games as a captain for Princeton during the 2023 season in which she was named a United Soccer Coaches third-team All-American. She is a three-time first-team All-Ivy League. Some mock drafts have Curry being selected in the second round of the NWSL Draft, which could turn out to be a steal for the lucky team that gets her.
During her time at Rutgers, Sam Kroeger proved to be a versatile player, seeing time all over the field. In 2023, Kroeger appeared in 17 games while starting 12. She registered two goals and three assists. Her best statistical season in 2022 as a junior in which she had seven goals and five assists in 20 games. Kroeger is a West Milford native that stayed home to play her collegiate career at Rutgers.
After leaving Fordham, Danielle "Dani" Etienne joined The Citadel as a graduate transfer in 2023. Etienne was a member of the Haitian National Team for the five seasons, making the 2023 FIFA World Cup roster. She was also part of the U20 CONCACAF team in 2018 that sent Haiti to its first U20 World Cup. Etienne is a graduate of Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus. She had one goal and one assist in 14 games at The Citadel.
NWSL Draft
Will one of the local stars be selected by NJ/NY Gotham FC and begin their professional career in New Jersey?
The NWSL Draft will be televised on ION from 8 to 10 p.m. ET. on Friday. Fans tuning in to the NWSL Draft outside the U.S. can watch the entirety of the event on Watch.NWSLSoccer.com.
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