In the aftermath of a record-breaking NWSL draft, TopDrawerSoccer interviewed three players with varying expectations who heard their names called on Friday night to provide some insight into the emotions and logistics in the buildup and aftermath of the life-changing event. Those three were Maycee Bell, a first-round pick and highly heralded prospect, Felicia Knox, an SEC star with varying draft projections, and Samantha Cary, who went into the night with no clear indication of if she would be selected.

Starting with Bell, a projected first-round pick since winning ACC Freshman of the Year in 2019. Speaking about the decision to remain in college for five seasons despite her professional aspirations, Bell credited the North Carolina program and her belief she would improve from year to year.

“I’ve had a few injuries throughout my college career and wanted to get a full season where I felt I played to the best of my abilities. Also, UNC is a dynasty playing for awesome coaches, and I was improving as I was there. If I thought I was going to get any better while I was there, then I probably would have left early, but I knew that Anson [Dorrance] and Damon [Nahas] were going to help me get to my potential.”

Knox had a similar decision to make. After a 2022 Junior season where she set the collegiate game on fire with seven goals and 20 assists as SEC Midfielder of the Year and All-American on an Alabama team that reached a first-ever College Cup, Knox could have entered the draft as a projected first-round pick. But Knox chose to stay for an opportunity to learn and give back to a program she holds in the highest regard.

“I really wanted to get my education and be a leader in Alabama. I felt like it wasn’t my time yet. Although we had a great season, and I was able to contribute a lot, I felt like Alabama was still home for one year. I wanted to experience more here, especially at a place that has given me everything and more to be successful.”

On the other side of the spectrum is Cary, whose pro potential flew under the radar on an Iowa team that achieved inconsistent results. That changed in November when Iowa entered the conference tournament as the eighth seed, the lowest, and shocked the country by winning a highly improbable Big Ten Tournament Championship. Behind that charge was Cary, the eventual Tournament Defensive MVP, who kicked off the historic run with two assists in a 2-1 quarterfinal upset of No. 1 seeded Michigan State before playing every minute as the Hawkeyes won the title without conceding another goal. But while that was enough to land on the radar of professional teams, there was still work to be done with the help of her agency, Inspired XI, and the Iowa Coaching Staff.

“My agent helped me so much throughout this process. I really didn’t know anyone prior to this that had been through the draft, so having someone to help guide me on what to do was amazing. I am also extremely thankful for my college coach and everything he did to help me on this journey. They had the ability to take some parts of the process off of my shoulders, which has allowed me to focus on my game and continue to grow as a player this past month.”

But while Bell was a first-round pick and Knox a third-rounder, with just ten slots left, Cary’s name was yet to be called, leading to some anxiety stemming from the uncertainty of whether a life-long dream would be realized.

“I felt some stress and anxiety, but I also had a confident feeling in my gut. I had faith that my name would be called and there was a bigger plan in place. I was lucky to be surrounded by my family to support me through the night, but I truly believed I would hear my name, it was just a matter of when. I knew I was in the mix with a few different teams, and I just needed someone to believe in me and give me an opportunity, and I’m extremely grateful Louisville did.”

The pre-draft process of a highly touted prospect is much different, as Bell revealed in her interview. The morning of the draft, she met with Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros and others on the staff to discuss selecting her if possible, as they had the final pick of the first round due to winning the 2023 NWSL Championship.

“I had a meeting with Gotham earlier that Friday before the draft, and they shared their interest and wanted to ask me some questions. And after that meeting, I honestly was really hoping that Gotham would pick me. I thought it went really well, and I loved what Juan [Amoros] had to say and what Yael [Averbuch West] was talking about that they wanted to do with their club.”

Knox, a mid-round pick to Angel City FC, who was not as secure as Bell but not nearly as uncertain as Cary, went into the draft confident she would be selected but was unsure where that would be.

“I had a couple of conversations with different teams but was still uncertain where I might go. My agent and I were confident that I was going to be picked up at some point.”

To conclude the interviews, each player was asked if they had any advice they might have for the next generation looking to follow in their footsteps. And in line with their play and leadership on the field, each gave a brilliant and thoughtful response.

Bell spoke to the importance of seeking the best challenge possible. “Put yourself in an environment where you are not the best player. If that means playing two years up, if that means playing with boys, be in an environment where it is uncomfortable for you because that is just going to push you to be a better player.”

Knox focused on the need to stay grounded and maintain tunnel vision. “The most important thing is to understand to be yourself and that everyone’s path is different. Don’t compare your path to others because it is all different. If you work hard and are consistent, your success will come. Be patient and be you.”

Cary offered a gem on the importance of self-belief. “Bet on yourself. I have been incredibly lucky with the people who have helped me in my journey, but the best thing you can do is believe in your preparation and ability to compete on and off the field. If you don’t believe in yourself, it is hard for anyone else to. I have had many people in my life tell me this opportunity was never going to come, but by being my own #1 fan and committing to the process every day, I can say I did it, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Despite where they were all selected on Friday night, it all resets, and the playing field is even. Bell will bring her world-class athleticism and ball-playing qualities to a stacked Gotham FC team that fits her strengths. Knox joins Angel City FC as a midfielder with elite vision and set-piece delivery. And Cary will give Racing Louisville multiple options in the defense as a left-footed center-back who can also play fullback.

TopDrawerSoccer wishes them all good luck with their professional journey.