The 2021 NWSL Draft took place on Wednesday, and there was Bruin representation in the proceedings, as the Orlando Pride selected midfielder Viviana Villacorta with the 9th overall pick, Kansas City picked defender Lucy Parker at No. 16 overall, and defender Delanie Sheehan was taken No. 33 overall by Sky Blue FC.
Villacorta leaves UCLA after three seasons in Westwood. Described as a “midfield metronome,” she played 71 games for the Bruins, tallying seven goals and 16 assists. She picked up All-Pac-12 second team honors in her sophomore and junior seasons.
A United States youth international, the Lawndale native joins an Orlando Pride team that will be looking to make a step up after a difficult 2020.