Three Tar Heels were among the first 11 players selected Wednesday night in the 2021 NWSL Draft, including two of the first three picks.

Racing Louisville made senior defender Emily Fox the No. 1 pick of the draft, becoming just the second player in UNC history to go first overall–joining Crystal Dunn, who went first to the Washington Spirit in 2014.

Fox tallied two goals and 20 assists while serving as the anchor of the UNC defense in over 4,500 career minutes played for the Tar Heels.

Junior midfielder Brianna Pinto was selected No. 3 overall by Sky Blue FC, one day after making herself eligible for the draft.

The Durham native was a First Team All-American in the fall and has been named a First Team All-ACC selection in each of her first three years on campus–scoring 23 goals and dishing out 16 assists.

With the No. 11 pick–which came in the second round–Racing Louisville added another Tar Heel in senior midfielder Taylor Otto.

A native of Apex, Otto made 79 starts in 84 career games at UNC. She scored 11 goals, racked up 12 assists and twice was named an All-ACC performer.

For the full results of the 2021 NSWL Draft, click here.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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