A dream came true for Auburn's Alyssa Malonson on Wednesday night.
Malonson was selected 20th overall by the North Carolina Courage in the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League Draft.
“Last night was a dream come true, and I want to thank the North Carolina Courage for turning that dream into a reality,” Malonson said. “Playing professionally is something I have strived for since I started this journey a number of years ago.
Malonson will be delaying her NWSL career by a year to stay at Auburn.
“With that being said, I have decided to stay at Auburn through the fall 2021 season before pursuing the next step in my career with the NWSL in 2022,” Malsonson added. “I want to thank my family, coaches and teammates for shaping me into the player and person I am today. I wouldn’t be in this position without them. I’m extremely blessed to be a part of the Auburn Family, and I’m not done yet. Thank you and War Eagle!”
Head coach Karen Hoppa is hoping the team can do something special in Malonson's final fall season.
“We’re thrilled to have Alyssa back next fall, and we’ll do everything in our power to get her ready for the next level,” Hoppa said.
Malonson is Auburn's second-highest draft pick behind Katy Frierson, who was selected 10th overall in 2012. With Malonson being drafted, it is the first time in program history that Auburn has had a player selected in back-to-back drafts.
In the 2020 NWSL Draft, Bri Folds was selected by the North Carolina Courage in the fourth round.
“We were so excited to hear Alyssa’s name called in the second round of the draft,” Hoppa said. “She has had a great career to this point and turned in arguably her best fall season yet. We can’t wait to watch her take her career to the next level.”
The Houston, Texas, native scored two goals and totaled 18 assists over her four seasons with Auburn. Since coming to Auburn in 2017, Malonson has started in all 69 games and is a three-time All-SEC honoree.
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