The 2021 NWSL Draft took place Wednesday, and a Cal player was selected, with defender Emily Smith taken with the first pick of the 4th Round by Racing Louisville.
Smith played three seasons at Cal, making 57 appearances in all, scoring three goals and five assists along the way. Co-captain in her junior season in 2019, she received the most plaudits during her freshman campaign, named a Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Best XI selection and a Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honoree.
As a 4th round selection, Smith is not guaranteed to be signed to a pro deal by Louisville, but she also has a choice to stay in school and play another year in college if she wishes.