DURHAM – Former Duke women’s soccer All-American Sophie Jones has officially signed with the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), as announced by the club on Monday.
Jones was the 43rd overall selection in the 2023 draft and signed a two-year contract with Chicago.
“We’re really excited about the future for these three talented young players. They have fit in perfectly from day one,” said Red Stars head coach Chris Petrucelli. “The draft at times can be a bit of a guessing game. It looks like we guessed correctly with this group. All three will contribute immediately and I expect will have long careers in the league.”
Chicago Red Stars Sign All Three Draft Picks From The 2023 National Women’s Soccer League Draft
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) March 20, 2023
Jones, one of the top midfielders in the nation over the last four years with the Blue Devils, tallied five goals and eight assists at Duke. She started all 75 matches she played in, which ranked fifth all-time in the Blue Devil record charts. A native of Menlo Park, Calif., Jones’ honors during her collegiate career include 2022 United Soccer Coaches Second-Team All-America, 2022 TopDrawerSoccer Best XI First Team selection, 2021 All-ACC Second Team, 2020 All-ACC First Team, among many others. Jones’ first year at Duke was cut short due to an injury, but her performance in the 10 games she appeared in was enough to earn the freshman ACC All-Freshman Team.
“I am honored and excited by the opportunity to play for the Red Stars,” said Jones. “It has always been my dream to play professional soccer and I can’t thank the Red Stars enough for turning that dream into a reality. I am looking forward to challenging myself against the best players in the world every day in practice and in games in this incredible league. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing coaches and teammates and staff as a part of this amazing organization. I can’t wait for what is to come and hope that we can make the city of Chicago proud!”
In the preseason with the Red Stars, Jones has jumped into the midfield to exhibit the skill and tirelessness that makes Jones one of the most promising midfielders selected in the 2023 draft.
Jones has been reunited with former Duke teammate Ella Stevens, who enters her fourth season with Red Stars. The…
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