The original version of this story incorrectly spelled Abby Wambach’s name. It was originally spelled Abbey Wombach. 1/16/10; 11:06
Seconds after her name was announced, Nikki Marshall stood up in the Pennsylvania Convention Center and was notified that she was now a professional soccer player.
In the first round of the Women’s Professional Soccer 2010 Draft in Philadelphia, Pa., Marshall was selected 7th overall by the Washington Freedom.
“It’s absolutely been one of my dreams,” Marshall said in a news release. “Along with playing in the Olympics, it’s something I’ve been working hard for for a long, long time.
Marshall, the Colorado Buffaloes all-time leader in points, goals and game-winning goals, was one of seven players invited to attend the draft in person.
After coaching her for four years, CU head coach Bill Hempen said Marshall deserves the honor.
“Somebody did their homework and found out the package she brings to a program,” Hempen said in a news release. “She’s one of the best.”
According to the news release, Marshall was contacted the day prior to the draft by the Freedom, who expressed interest in the 21-year-old Mead, Colo. native.
“Yeah, it was a little tough not to tell anyone,” Marshall said in the news release.
In Washington, D.C., Marshall will play alongside the likes of Abby Wambach, a former Olympian and FIFA Women’s Player of the Year contender, who finished third with the U.S. Women’s National Team during the 2003 and 2007 World Cup.
As a member of the Under-20 U.S. National Team that was victorious in Chile during the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Marshall brings her own experience from the world stage in a league full of international stars.
“The past couple of years have been incredible for me – winning the World Cup, being drafted in the first round,” Marshall said in a news release. “It all hasn’t sunk in yet; it’s so great and exciting.”
Marshall is the second Buff to play in the WPS, joining former teammate Michelle Wenino, who plays with the Chicago Red Stars.
Contact CU Independent Copy Editor Esteban L. Hernandez at Esteban.hernandez@colorado.edu.
