Defender Tierna Davidson, a 20-year-old star from the Bay Area, has decided to skip her senior season at Stanford and play professionally in the National Women's Soccer League.
Davidson, named U.S. Soccer's Young Player of the Year for her play last season, has been selected the No.1 overall pick for the NWSL draft held Thursday in Chicago. She is also hopeful for the team that will represent the United States at this year's World Cup in France.
Another Bay Area native is also heading to the NWSL. Stanford's other defender, 21-year-old Tegan McGrady of San Jose, was the 7th overall pick for the Washington Spirit.
The league has adopted rules that allow players who are 18 to enter the draft with college eligibility remaining. The Chicago Red Stars hold the first pick and Davidson is set to join the roster.
Davidson's junior season with Stanford was cut short when she fractured her ankle in a game against North Carolina in September.
Davidson told The Associated Press last month that she was focused on making the U.S. roster and was concerned about how to juggle that with Stanford's rigorous academic requirements.
