BALTIMORE, Md. – Illinois State soccer midfielder Kate Del Fava heard her name called on draft day for the National Women's Soccer League, being selected by the Utah Royals in the second round with the 12th overall pick.
Del Fava is the highest drafted Missouri Valley Conference women's soccer player ever and the second Redbird to be drafted in the NWSL. Former Redbird Rachel Tejada was drafted in the fourth round with the 32nd pick by the Chicago Red Stars in 2015.
The midfielder capped off her collegiate career with a stellar senior season, leading the Valley in goals (17), points (39) and game-winning goals (6), while also sweeping the MVC Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards at the end of the season.