With the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft, the Washington Spirit selected Clemson center back Samantha Staab. A native of San Diego, California, Staab had a stellar senior season for the Tigers, posting an impressive 11 assists despite playing a defensive position. Staab’s free kick delivery will likely be a real weapon for the Spirit in 2019, while she’s also known for having a very long throw-in that Clemson used to create havoc on a regular basis.
A 5’7” USA under-23 international, Staab figures to compete for a starting role immediately. Washington entered draft day with just three defenders under contract, and one of them (Taylor Smith) has a torn ACL.