PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Highlighted by Michelle Cooper going No. 2, a trio of Blue Devils were taken in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft on Thursday evening at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa.
Selected by the Kansas City Current with the second overall pick, Cooper became the highest Duke women’s soccer player taken in a professional draft. Then in the fourth round, Delaney Graham was picked by the Washington Spirit followed by Sophie Jones by the Chicago Red Stars. It marked the third time Duke has featured three or more student-athletes selected in the NWSL Draft (2022, 2018, 2014).
Cooper is the fifth Duke standout taken in the first round in school history, all which have come in the last seven years.
“Obviously, we are very excited for Michelle,” said Duke head coach Robbie Church. “She was one of the hardest working players we’ve had in our program — both in possession and out of possession. We are excited for her to have this opportunity to step out and challenge herself at the next level. We all know Michelle is going to have a fantastic pro career. What is different about Michelle than a lot of other players is her mentality is just so strong, and I think it will carry on and serve her well the next level.”
Recently named the Hermann Trophy Award winner, Cooper is coming off the best overall season in NCAA Division I soccer in 2022 with 49 points, 19 goals and 11 assists. The two-time United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-American was the only player in the nation to rank in the top 10 in all three categories. In the NCAA stats, Cooper ranked No. 2 in points (49), tied for second in goals (19) and tied for ninth in assists (11). A native of Clarkston, Mich., Cooper accumulated 31 goals, 16 assists and 78 points in 40 matches in two years with the Blue Devils.
Graham was tabbed by the Washington Spirit with the fourth pick in the fourth round and was the 40th overall selection.
A native of Atlanta, Ga., Graham closed her Duke career appearing in 105 career matches, while making a school-record 103 starts over the last five seasons. She netted four goals and 19 assists for 27 points, while helping lead the Blue Devils to 52 shutouts on the defensive end. Graham appeared in a school-record 8,767 minutes, was a three-time All-ACC selection…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Duke University…