January 19, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Washington Spirit News Release
The Washington Spirit added six new players to the team last week in Anaheim, Ca. during the 2024 NWSL Draft, including four first round picks. From California to Ohio, and even the DMV, get to know the Spirit’s newest players:
Croix Bethune (Round One, Pick Three)
The Spirit’s first selection of the 2024 NWSL Draft was used to draft Croix Bethune, a star midfielder from the University of Georgia. Bethune started her career at the University of Southern California before using her final year of eligibility at the University of Georgia, closer to her hometown of Alpharetta, Ga. At USC, Bethune became the first player in Pac-12 history to earn back-to-back Pac-12 Midfielder of the Year honors. Additionally, the MAC Hermann semifinalist (2021) earned first or second All-Conference recognition every year of her playing career and was one of five active college players named to the U.S. Women’s National Team preliminary roster for the 2022 CONCACAF Championship. Bethune will rejoin former Trojans teammate Tara McKeown.
Hal Hershfelt (Round One, Pick Five)
With the fifth pick, the Spirit selected midfielder Hal Hershfelt from Clemson University. The Atlanta, Ga. native played five seasons with the Tigers where she made 99 appearances, starting in all but two games. Hershfelt earned four All-ACC honors (two Second Team All-ACC, one Third Team All-ACC, and one ACC All-Freshman Team) during her collegiate career. Most recently, Hershfelt was placed on the NCAA All-Tournament Team for her contributions to Clemson’s run to the NCAA Semifinal. Hershfelt and Bethune reunite after playing on the club level for the Atlanta-based Concorde Fire club soccer team.
Kate Wiesner (Round One, Pick Seven)
Coming to the Spirit from Penn State University, Kate Wiesner is a defender with a history of competing at an elite level. Wiesner, who grew up in the Southern California area, has featured on the U15, U17, U19, and U23 U.S. Youth National teams, including being named co-captain of the U-17 team. Wiesner finished her collegiate career strong, selected for the Third Team All-Big Ten squad. At Penn State, her playing time increased every season, playing nearly 1,700 minutes in 2023. Kate was one of five Nittany Lions to be drafted, tied for the second-most of any college.
Makenna Morris (Round One, Pick 13
Rounding out the first round, the Spirit took Makenna Morris, a Germantown, Md….