It’s January 12, and you’re on top of the world. Out of 56 spots, your name gets announced, calling you to claim your destiny–being drafted to the NWSL and becoming a professional soccer player. You’ve been dreaming of this moment since you were a little girl. You’re swept up in a rush of excitement with friends and family celebrating, taking photos with your new team’s merch. You just have one question.
Now what?
The truth is, many of us have no idea what happens between the draft and the start of the NWSL season for these newly draftees. What is it like coming into a new team? When do you leave for preseason camp? When can you expect–or hope–for a contract? What if there is no contract? Girls Soccer Network and Parkside Cards wanted to find out what this gray area was like, so we reached out to a few players, newly drafted from the 2024 NWSL draft and some from previous draft cycles. Hailing from all different NWSL teams, each had a very different journey that got them where they are today.
Sam Cary, Racing Louisville’s fourth-round draft pick at #48 from Iowa (their very first!). Eternally grateful, this was a moment she, like many soccer players, had dreamed of. “I do feel extremely lucky to have been given a shot by Louisville and have a group…
