SEATTLE – For the second time in program-history, Washington has had two players selected in the NWSL College Draft, with Shae Holmes’ rights selected by OL Reign and Summer Yates having her name called by the Orlando Pride.
Holmes and Yates become the fourth and fifth Huskies drafted into the NWSL, joining Kimberly Keever (2018, 12th overall), Sarah Shimer (2018, 33rd overall) and Olivia Van der Jagt (2022, 33rd overall).
Keeping the versatile defender in the Emerald City, Holmes was picked 19th overall by OL Reign and will join former Husky teammate Van der Jagt at Lumen Field. A former United States Youth national player, Holmes battled back from multiple knee injuries to become the spearhead of the UW defense.
After missing the entirety of the 2021 season through injury, the Highlands Ranch, Colorado, native returned to the pitch with aplomb this past season. Holmes earned Second Team All-Pac-12 honors after helping Washington secure five clean sheets. On the other side of the pitch, the UW captain tied for the team lead with six assists and scored the game-winner against Utah.
The Orlando Pride made it two Huskies drafted on the night in the fourth round, selecting Yates with the 39th pick overall. A four-time All-Pac-12 honoree, Yates finished her prolific career with the third most points (77) and goals (27) all-time at UW, also ranking fourth all-time in career assists (23).
Lacing up her cleats 93 times in a UW kit, more than any player in Husky history, the Pasco, Washington, native’s biggest triumph came during the 2021 spring season that saw Washington reach the Sweet 16. That season, Yates became the first Husky to earn an All-America nod since current assistant coach and UW legend Tina Frimpong-Ellertson in 2004.
In its 11th season, the NWSL will kick off the 2023 schedule on March 25, with each team slated to play 22 matches during the league calendar, along with the NWSL Challenge Cup.
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