2023 NWSL First Round Mock Draft

by Travis Clark

January 10, 2023

The 2023 edition of the NWSL Draft is set to take place on Thursday, January 12. Top college talent has put their name in for consideration, though there's little suspense this year about the No. 1 overall pick.

MORE Top Draft Prospects: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Check out the TDS First Round Mock Draft below.

ORDER	TEAM	NAME	COLLEGE	POS
1		Alyssa Thompson	Total Futbol Academy	F
After Angel City traded up for the first overall pick, Thompson is inevitable as the first choice here. The talented prospect can play right away as she makes the jump to begin her pro career.
2		Michelle Cooper	Duke	F
With Thompson's addition to the draft pool, Gotham is in a great position. They can draft Cooper, or shop the pick for a high price to see which clubs are interested in adding the talented Duke striker.
3		Reyna Reyes	Alabama	LB
It seems likely that Thompson and Cooper are all but locks with the top two picks. Orlando is still in a good position to land a high impact player. Reyes stands out as a good option to feature at left back or as a wide midfielder. (Highlights)
4		Emily Madril	BK Hacken	CB
Getting a defender at this spot that can play right away should be within reach. Madril didn't play in the fall at Florida State but is signed with the league and a first-round lock. (Highlights)
5		Jenna Nighswonger	Florida State	F
Nighswonger returns to the West Coast (she's originally from California) and would be an impressive depth addition to FSU. She could fill in a number of different spots and offer the team an attacking option off the bench.
6		Penelope Hocking	Penn State	F
With the draft pool expanding, Hocking has a good shot of landing here with the Courage. There's a good chance she gets picked higher as well. (Highlights)
7		Sophie Jones	Duke	CM
The Red Stars could use the infusion of talent in the midfield, having lost high-caliber players in that spot. Jones is the best passer in college soccer, though could slip on draft day due to questions how she'll fit in the league defensively.
8		Alexa Spaanstra	Virginia	M/F
UVA graduates have a great track record of sticking in the pro ranks. Spaanstra's a quality wide attacker that would inject a chance creator to the Dash roster. (Highlights)
9		Clara Robbins	Florida State	CM
After seven years at FSU, Robbins is set to turn pro. She can step in and compete for minutes right away after a decorated career at the ACC power.
10		Messiah Bright	TCU	F
The talented TCU forward makes the move up to KC after her impressive career at TCU.
11		Jyllissa Harris	South Carolina	CB
After wrapping up an excellent career at the SEC program, Harris heads up one state to bring a center back option for the Courage. She could potentially be tried as a holding midfielder as well, adding valuable versatility.
12		Isabella D'Aquila	Santa Clara	F
It's been an impressive career for D'Aquila at Santa Clara, and she is surely on the radar as a late first round pick. Her 50 goals in 78 games speaks for itself, including 19 this past fall as a senior. (Highlights)