The Orlando Pride drafted Courtney Petersen with the seventh overall pick of the 2020 NWSL College Draft. It was the first time in Pride history that the club drafted two players in the first round, having picked Taylor Kornieck with the third overall pick. The Canton, MI native played her college career at the University of Virginia in the very competitive ACC. Petersen scored five goals and recorded 12 assists in 78 appearances for the Cavaliers.
She was selected specifically for her versatility in being able to play both in the midfield and also at left back.