After four years at Oregon State University in Corvallis, midfielder Courtney Wetzel stayed in the Pacific Northwest for the first step of her post-college career, joining the Portland Thorns in early 2013 ahead of the National Women's Soccer League's inaugural season.
The Puyallup, Washington, native would go on to make 26 appearances in the league, though her start on June 6, 2013, was likely her most memorable. Getting forward from her midfield position early against FC Kansas City, Wetzel's one-touch finish of Marian Dougherty's pass put the Thorns ahead in the 20th minute - the first of a four-goal day for Portland, ending with a 4-3 victory at Providence Park.