Sophia Smith becomes 3rd straight Stanford player picked No. 1 in NWSL College Draft

Stanford duo selected in NWSL College Draft

BALTIMORE, Md. – Stanford women’s soccer standouts Sophia Smith and Sam Hiatt were selected in the 2020 NWSL Draft on Thursday at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

The duo recently led Stanford to its third national championship on Dec. 8 – Smith was named College Cup Most Outstanding Offensive Player and Hiatt captained a Stanford side which won its last 19 matches of the season and scored a program-record 102 goals.

Smith was taken first overall by Portland Thorns F.C., following the likes of Tierna Davidson (2019, Chicago Red Stars) and Andi Sullivan (2018, Washington Spirit) to give Stanford the last three No. 1 overall picks. Smith, who netted a hat trick in Stanford’s College Cup semifinal win over UCLA, is the first teenager in history to be drafted.

Say hello to the first teenager to be drafted into the @NWSL.

Here's the big moment for @sophsssmith… and she crushed it. #NWSLDraft #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/Pv5D3yfnvN

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) January 16, 2020

Hiatt, picked 33rd overall in the fourth round by Seattle Reign F. C., served as co-captain during the 2019 season, capping an impressive three-year career on The Farm after transferring from Boston College. In 51 appearances, primarily as a center back, Hiatt scored two goals with nine assists, including a career-high five in 2019. Hiatt is on track to graduate Stanford with a degree in symbolic systems.