MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Jan. 16, 2009) – West Virginia University women’s soccer player Greer Barnes was drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Draft Friday afternoon by the Los Angeles Sol.

 

“To be drafted and have the opportunity to play professionally has been a life-long dream,” says Barnes, the 24th pick overall. “Heading out West is exciting and I look forward to playing for (coach) Abner Rogers and (general manager) Charlie Naimo.”

 

The WPS is the highest level women's professional soccer league in North America. Formed in September 2007, the WPS will begin play in March 2009 amongst seven teams across the country.

 

The first game of the inaugural WPS season will be at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., as the Los Angeles Sol will host the Washington Freedom on March 29.

 

“When the WUSA (Women's United Soccer Association) league ended, I wasn’t sure this opportunity would come again. Now, to be part of the inaugural game to kick off the WPS league, that is very exciting,” adds Barnes. “And the Sol already signed the best player in the world in Marta (Vieira da Silva). I can’t wait to get started.”

 

Barnes recently completed her career at WVU, leading the 2008 Mountaineers to a ninth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. She was named an NSCAA All-American for the second-straight year, a Second and Third Team selection. The senior was able to get forward in the attack to total 34 shots and five points in 2008.

 

A Rye, N.Y., native, Barnes is a two-time First Team All-BIG EAST (2007-08) defender, along with a Second Team All-BIG EAST nod in 2006. Barnes, a two-time All-Mid-Atlantic Region player, appeared in 82 career matches for the Mountaineers at both midfield and defender.

 

The 2009 WPS Draft is a multi-round draft for players who participated in either the WPS West Coast Combine or the WPS East Coast Combine (which includes players who will have just completed their NCAA eligibility), as well as any other undrafted players whose rights have not yet been assigned to a WPS team. Beginning in February, teams will also hold local try-outs in their respective markets.

 

Barnes is the third Mountaineer to be drafted professionally, joining Katie Barnes and Rachel Kruze. On February 11, 2002, Katie Barnes became the first West Virginia women’s soccer player to be drafted by the WUSA when she was selected in the second round as the ninth overall pick by the Carolina Courage. Kruze was selected by the Philadelphia Charge in the 2003 WUSA draft.