Pair of Former Illini Selected in WPS Draft
January 16, 2009 | Soccer
Jan. 16, 2009
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Former Illini Mary Therese McDonnell and Christen Karniski were selected in the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer draft held Friday in St. Louis. Illinois now has three representatives set to play in the professional league that will debut in March, as the pair joins former Illini Ella Masar, who was drafted in the fall by the Chicago Red Stars.
McDonnell was taken by Sky Blue FC in the eighth round as the 53rd overall pick. The Orland Park, Ill., native anchored the Illinois back line throughout her four years in the Orange and Blue. During her career from 2004-07, Illinois made two trips to the NCAA Round of 16, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2004. Thanks to McDonnell and the Illini defense, Illinois enjoyed a record seven-straight home shutouts during her senior season and her teammates voted her MVP. Upon graduation, McDonnell played for the Boston Renegades of the W-League before a stint with the Irish National Team.
Karniski returns to familiar territory, as she was drafted by the Washington Freedom in the 10th round with the 64th overall pick. She spent last summer with the Freedom in the W-League, leading the team to the Eastern Conference Championship. The Iowa City, Iowa, also was a key defender for the Illini during her tenure from 2002-05. Along with McDonnell, Karniski played a crucial role in Illinois' trip to the Elite Eight. She earned All-America honors as a senior in addition to All-Big Ten accolades in back-to-back seasons.
The inaugural game of the WPS will feature the Freedom at the Los Angeles Sol on Sunday, March 29. The remaining teams open the season the following week, including Sky Blue, which will host the Sol in its inaugural game on April 5.
