Baltimore, Md.- Fighting Illini forward Jannelle Flaws was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2016 NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) College Draft on Friday, Jan. 15. Flaws is just the sixth Illini to be drafted in school history, and the only Illini to be taken in this year's draft. She's the fourth Illini to be drafted to the Chicago Red Stars program. Flaws finished her collegiate career as one of the most prolific players in Illinois history, holding career records in several categories.
"To be drafted and given the opportunity to continue to play at the next level is something I've wanted for a very long time," Flaws said. "Not only do I get to do that, but I get to do that at home, surrounded by my family and friends; it's an incredible feeling. It's bittersweet to be leaving the University of Illinois because it has become a second home to me and the people I've met here have impacted my life more than I ever would have expected. I'm extremely excited to start this next chapter in my life and to have been given this opportunity by the Chicago Red Stars. There are so many people I need to thank for helping me get to this point; no words will ever be enough to be able to explain how much it has meant to me and I how lucky I am to have met them. Thank you to all those people for helping me get one step closer to my dreams."
Flaws is the first Illini to be drafted to the NWSL since 2014 and just the sixth Illini drafted in program history. The last Illini to be taken in the NWSL Draft was Vanessa DiBernardo, taken fourth overall by the Chicago Red Stars. Other former Illini to be taken in the NWSL Draft include Jackie Santacateria, chosen 60th by the Red Stars in 2010, Ella Massar, taken ninth by the Red Stars in 2008, Mary Therese McDonnell, chosen 53rd by Sky Blue FC in 2008 and Christen Karniski, chosen 64th overall by the Washington Freedom.
"I am extremely excited and hopeful for the next chapter in Jannelle's career and journey," Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield said. "She has a bright future that I know all Illinois fans, including myself, will enjoy following."
Flaws played in 84 games during her career at Illinois, overcoming two knee injuries to become one of the school's most prolific players. She finished her career with a school-record 54 goals, also holding the single-season school record with 23 goals in the 2013 season. She was twice named Big Ten Forward of the Year and received All-America honors in 2014. She will graduate as the program's career leader in total points (122), total shots (349) and shots on goal (169) as well.
Among her many honors and awards, Flaws was recognized as Illinois' 2013 Dike Eddleman Female Athlete of of the year and earned All-Big Ten honors four times in her career. She was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List in consecutive seasons, and also received NSCAA All-Region honors twice in her career.
