Emily Madril, Jenna Nighswonger and Clara Robbins selected in first round of 2023 NWSL Draft
Florida State women's soccer made its presence felt in the first round of the NWSL draft Thursday with three players being selected in the opening round.
With the No. 3 overall pick, the Orlando Pride selected defender Emily Madril, while Jenna Nighswonger went one pick later to the NJ/NY Gotham. Clara Robbins was selected ninth overall by the North Carolina Courage.
A total of 256 players were available for the 48-selection, four-round draft. California high schooler Alyssa Thompson went first overall to Angel City FC.
The Seminoles and ACC rival Virginia were the only programs to have three players selected, but FSU was the lone school to have three players selected in the first round.
“It’s a great night to be a Nole. All three players have worked tirelessly to get themselves to this moment. They have all gone through hard times, but they have persevered through it all. Having all three of them having their names called in the first round is truly special,” head soccer coach Brian Pensky said in a press release.
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Madril played a key role for the Seminoles during the 2021 championship season, starting all 25 games and earning First-Team All-American honors. Madril was also on the 2018 National Championship team. She however missed the 2019 and 2020 seasons due to injuries.
She left FSU prior to the 2022 season to join Racing Louisville FC for its inaugural W League season.
Love to see it 😎 pic.twitter.com/yHGOojAW4n
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) January 12, 2023
Nighswonger played for the Seminoles from 2019-2022. She was part of the 2021 national championship team. Her corner kick set up an own goal in a 1-0 victory over Arkansas to send the Seminoles to the College Cup, this past season in the first season under Brian Pensky.
She finished her career with 72 points (19 goals and 34 assists), the ninth most in school history. Her 34 assists finished as the second most in FSU history.
Nighswonger scored a career-high six goals, and 16 assists for 28 points in 2022, earning a spot on the College Soccer News First Team All-American in 2022.
Meet the queen of the corner kick:Florida State women's soccer senior Jenna Nighswonger
Our pick is in! We have selected Jenna Nighswonger with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft.
Welcome to #GothamFC, Jenna!#YERRRR pic.twitter.com/2M1eo0HBJ0— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) January 12, 2023
Robbins arrived in Tallahassee in 2016, when she redshirted her freshman season. In her seven seasons with the Seminoles, she played in 110 games, the most in school history and the second most in women’s college soccer history.
She finished her career with 59 points (17 goals and 25 assists), placing her 19th all-time in Florida State history.
Robbins was on the 2018 and 2021 National Championship teams.
🚨 DRAFTED 🚨
Another Seminole is coming to Cary! Welcome the versatile Clara Robbins to Courage Country!#CourageUnitesUs #NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/viD4c8K4qB— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) January 12, 2023
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Emily Madril, Jenna Nighswonger and Clara Robbins selected in NWSL Draft
