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3 former Florida State women’s soccer players drafted in the 1st round of the NWSL Draft

PHILADELPHIA — The Garnet and Gold were well represented Thursday night at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft as three former Florida State Soccer players were selected in the first round of the draft.

Santa Clara Florida St. Soccer

Karl B DeBlake/AP

Florida State midfielder Emily Madril (25) clears the ball against Santa Clara during the first half of the NCAA College Cup championship soccer match in Cary, NC, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Emily Madril was selected third overall by the Orlando Pride.

Santa Clara Florida St. Soccer

Karl B DeBlake/AP

Florida State forward Jenna Nighswonger (2) moves the ball against Santa Clara during the second half of the NCAA College Cup championship soccer match in Cary, NC, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Jenna Nighswonger immediately followed her as she was selected by the NY/NJ Gotham FC with the fourth overall pick.

NCAA North Carolina Florida St. Soccer

Karl B DeBlake/AP

Florida State’s Clara Robbins (26) looks to pass the ball against North Carolina during the second half of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament semifinal match in Cary, NC, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

The North Carolina Courage selected Clara Robbins with the ninth overall pick to round out the night for the Seminoles.

“It’s a great night to be a Nole. All three players have worked tirelessly to get themselves to this moment. They have all gone through hard times, but they have persevered through it all. Having all three of them having their names called in the first round is truly special,” said head soccer coach Brian Pensky.

Florida State was one of two teams to have multiple players selected in the first round of the draft joining ACC counterpart Virginia. However, the Seminoles were the only team to have three players selected in the first round and no other team had more than two players selected in the first two rounds of the draft.

As a group, these three Seminoles helped Florida State to two national titles and four ACC Tournament titles. They combined to score 42 career goals and tallied 66 assists throughout their career.

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