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The day has finally arrived. After months of build-up, and recent weeks filled with plenty of moves, the 2022 NWSL Draft is here. On the clock first? Your San Diego Wave! Follow along with us as we give you all the picks, and any trades or transfers made, during the draft. Grab those snacks, pour a drink, and settle in for a long, exciting day today.
Round 1, Pick 1: Naomi Girma, D/M , Stanford
The San Diego Wave officially have their first-ever draft pick selected. With the first overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, San Diego select Stanford defender/midfielder, Naomi Girma. Wave didn't have to go far to scout the San Jose native, who was playing a short(ish) drive away, in Northern California. In three seasons at Stanford Girma featured in 68 matches with 67 starts. She scored eight goals and served up five assists. San Diego wanted to address the midfield this draft, and this pick is a great start to do just that.
Round 1, Pick 9: Marleen Schimmer, M/F , Grand Canyon University
The second overall pick for the Wave, and 9th overall pick, was GCU midfielder Marleen Schimmer. In two years with GCU she featured in 39 matches, scoring 17 goals with 18 assists. While she attended college stateside, the German-born midfielder will take up one of the team’s International slots.
Round 2, Pick 14: TRADE
San Diego Wave completed a trade with Washington Spirit for the 14th overall pick in the draft. In exchange for San Diego’s pick, the Washington Spirit send over $85k in Allocation Money
With the 25th pick, we’re excited to welcome Sydney Pulver, Midfielder from Washington State. We can’t wait to have Sydney lace up their boots with Wave FC! pic.twitter.com/MdZJdSIZp4
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) December 18, 2021
Round 2, Pick 25: Sydney Pulver, M , Washington State University
The Washington State midfielder is a true number 6. That means not only will she be able to control the middle of the park by holding onto possession, but will stick in on tackles defensively. In 2021 she had career highs in both goals, with six, and assists, with five. This is a great foundation piece that can contribute early on as San Diego continue to build their midfield.
Round 3, Pick 27: Belle Briede, F/M , Stanford
San Diego Wave pick up another Stanford Cardinal, this time forward/midfielder, Bell Briede. In 2021 with Stanford she had 11 starts and 18 appearances, scoring five goals with three assists. After a rough 2021 season, Briede will come into the NWSL looking to prove she belongs and prove San Diego made the right choice in selecting her.
Round 4, Pick 40: Kayla Bruster, D , Georgia
San Diego Wave go defender with this fourth round pick. Bruster primarily played central in the defense, and was good at winning the ball in arial duels. She started all 19 games for Georgia, ranking third on the team in minutes played, showing how consistent she can be for the Wave.