Badgers in the NWSL Draft: A History

MADISON, Wis. – Emma Jaskaniec’s selection to the Utah Royals in the 2024 addition of the NWSL draft marks the latest Badger to be taken in the United States’ premier women’s soccer league. The draft dates to 2013, and its subsequent history has been tied to Wisconsin, with a Badger player being selected in seven of the twelve drafts, including the last five.
 
Wisconsin’s seven players drafted in the NWSL are the fourth most of any Big Ten team since the inaugural of the league.
 
Cara Walls
 

The first Badger ever taken in the NWSL draft; Walls attended Wisconsin from 2011-14. From her very first season, the forward from Wauwatosa found ways to put the ball in the back of the net. Walls lead the Badgers in goals in every one of her seasons, peaking at 14 in her senior season. That season saw Wisconsin go 19-3-2, and advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
 
Finishing her career as the second all-time leading goal scorer in program history, Walls was taken in 3^rd round (23^rd overall) by the Chicago Red Stars. She was the fifth forward taken in the draft, and the first player selected that year from the Big Ten.
 
Walls played two seasons in the NWSL, both with the Red Stars, making nine starts in 22 appearances. Walls scored two career goals and played with fellow Badger, Michele Dalton (who went undrafted).
 


Rose Lavelle
 

One of the most decorated athletes in Wisconsin history, Lavelle set up many shots for Walls as a midfielder, playing from 2013-16. After earning a spot on the All-Big Ten team her freshman year, Lavelle became one of the nation’s best players. She was an All-American the following three years, including a first-team spot after leading Wisconsin to a conference title in 2015. Lavelle, finishing her career fourth with the 4^th most assists in program history, built up her draft stock with playing time for the USA Women’s national team as well.
 
Lavelle became the first ever Badger selected with the number one overall pick in their respective sport, going to the Boston Breakers in the 2017 draft. Lavelle was taken first in a draft with a plethora of talent, with six players who would go on to be on the NWSL Best XI and Second XI team. She also was the first of nine players from the Big Ten to be selected, and the only one to be taken in the first round.
 
Since then, Lavelle…