Santacaterina Drafted By Chicago Red Stars
January 15, 2010 | Soccer
Jan. 15, 2010
PHILADELPHIA - Fighting Illini senior midfielder Jackie Santacaterina was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars today in the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) draft, chosen in the seventh round as the 60th overall pick. The Geneva, Ill. native will join former teammate Ella Masar on the Red Stars roster when preseason camp starts March 1. The WPS is set to begin its second season in April.
"This is the most unbelievable opportunity I've ever had and I'm so excited for it," Santacaterina said. "I'm still in total shock. It is great to have the opportunity to continue my playing career, especially in my home state."
Santacaterina ended her collegiate career as a four-year starter and one of the most durable and consistent players on the Illini roster. She was selected to the All-Big Ten second team in both 2007 and 2008, also earning Soccer Buzz All-Great Lakes Region honors three times. The team captain played in 84 career games with 74 starts, bouncing back this fall from a foot injury suffered last summer. As a Fighting Illini, Santacaterina tallied four goals and eight assists while helping lead Illinois to 48 wins and two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances.
Illinois now has four former players who were drafted by the WPS. Along with Santacaterina and Masar, Mary Therese McDonnell (Chicago Red Stars) and Christen Karniski (Washington Freedom) have also suited up for WPS teams.
For more information on the WPS and the 2010 draft, visit http://www.womensprosoccer.com/ .
