Christen Westphal (right) visits with draft host Jonathan Yardley and analyst Jen Cooper. Westphal was picked third in the first round of today's college draft.
Christen Westphal third overall pick in NWSL Draft
Friday, January 15, 2016 | Soccer
University of Florida's Christen Westphal was the third pick of the opening round of today's National Women's Soccer League's draft. The Boston Breakers chose Westphal at the draft held at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Baltimore.
In Westphal's senior season, she was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team selection for both NSCAA All-America and All-SEC honors. Westphal led the Gators and the SEC with 13 assists in 2015, which tied for fourth in 2015 Division I play. She was third among the 2015 Gators in points (19), the most ever in a season by a Gator defender. Westphal was All-SEC every year of her collegiate career and was the 2015 SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player. On the Gator Career Charts, Westphal is second for complete matches played (77), minutes (8,486) and consecutive starts (95). She is part of the U.S. Under-23 National Team.
She is the second Gator senior who will be playing at the next level. Claire Falknor, who played alongside Westphal as a Florida center back, signed with FC Bayern Munich.
| Jan. 15 Draft Selections | Club | Round |
| Christen Westphal | Boston Breakers | First |
| Other Gators in NWSL | ||
| Adriana Leon | Chicago Red Stars | |
| Lauren Silver | Houston Dash | |
| Havana Solaun | Seattle Reign FC | |
| Erika Tymrak | FC Kansas City | |
| Kathryn Williamson | Portland Thorns TC |
She is the second Gator senior who will be playing at the next level. Claire Falknor, who played alongside Westphal as a Florida center back, signed with FC Bayern Munich.
Players Mentioned
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