There’s nothing quite like a NWSL Draft. It’s a surreal four hour-plus grind with moments of pure, frantic energy, all soundtracked by a live DJ. It’s the league’s first signature event of the year, and really the only one where everyone from around the NWSL is all in the same room.
While the future of the draft might be up for greater discussion (more on that next week), we entered Friday night in Anaheim thinking we were in for a long one thanks to the introduction of two more expansion teams and the draft now extending to 56 picks, with each team holding multiple timeouts. From the fun little moments to the weird and hectic elements of trying to capture covering the event from the room itself (which you think would be easier but not always!), we kept a running diary to give you a behind the scenes look.
4:11 p.m. We’re waiting outside for the ballroom to open, and Seattle Reign head coach Laura Harvey is out in the hallway with us. We ran into her earlier in the day following NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman’s press conference, and she promised an outfit. She delivered. The Jordans match the suit, and she winks as she tells us she’s got a surprise for later. —Meg
Decided this year to heat check the #NWSL draft. @LH1505 promised some heat, and delivered….
