BALTIMORE, Md. – Penn State women's soccer captian Kaleigh Riehl was selected with the 11th overall selection in the 2020 National Women's Soccer League College Draft by Sky Blue FC on Thursday, Jan. 16. Riehl is the highest selected draft pick for Penn State since Frannie Crouse was selected 10th overall in 2018.
"I'm thrilled for Kaleigh and believe Sky Blue will be an excellent place for her to grow into her own as she transitions from college to the professional game," head coach Erica Dambach said. "There are so many exciting things going on within the Sky Blue organization and they chose a first class player and person who can help to solidify their defense as they continue to improve. The future is now for Sky Blue and Kaleigh Riehl will undoubtedly play a role in their success."
Riehl's selection by Sky Blue FC marked the 13th time a Nittany Lion has been selected in the NWSL draft since its inception in 2013. Riehl completed her storied Penn State career earlier this fall as her career accolades rival any in the country.
"I'm incredibly grateful that Sky Blue has given me the opportunity to continue my career at the professional level. I'm thankful for my Penn State teammates, the entire staff and the community as a whole for pushing me and helping me grow as a person and player everyday. I have had the best five years at Penn State and I'm excited for this new opportunity with Sky Blue." Riehl said.
During her final season in Happy Valley, Riehl earned second team All-America honors by the United Soccer Coaches and became the NCAA all-time leader in minutes played by a position player. Riehl also earned Scholar All-America first team honors and earned her fourth All-Big Ten recognition of her career.
Riehl started all 101 games of her Penn State career and is one of just 11 Nittany Lions to earn multiple All-America honors in Penn State history. During Riehl's four seasons of competition in 2015, 2017-19, Penn State won 72 games, two Big Ten regular season titles, three Big Ten Tournament titles and the 2015 NCAA National Championship.
Penn State has had at least one draft pick in every draft since 2013 during the first year of the NWSL draft. The Nittany Lions had three picks in the 2016 draft, the highest total in program history. Also during that draft class, Raquel Rodriguez became the high selection on program history as she was selected by Sky Blue FC as the No. 2 overall selection.
PENN STATE NWSL DRAFT HISTORY
Christine Nairn | 2013 | No. 7 | Seattle Reign FC
Maddy Evans | 2013 | No. 29 | Boston Breakers
Maya Hayes | 2014 | No. 6 | Sky Blue FC
Whitney Church | 2015 | No. 30 | Washington Spirit
Raquel Rodriguez | 2016 | No. 2 | Sky Blue FC
Mallory Weber | 2016 | No. 14 | Western New York Flash
Britt Eckerstrom | 2016 | No. 30 | Western New York Flash
Nickolette Driesse | 2017 | No. 32 | Orlando Pride
Frannie Crouse | 2018 | No. 10 | North Carolina Courage
Brittany Basinger | 2018 | No. 21 | Washington Spirit
Emily Ogle | 2019 | No. 24 | Portland Thorns FC
Maddie Nolf | 2019 | No. 27 | Utah Royals FC
Kaleigh Riehl | 2020 | No. 11 | Sky Blue FC