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NWSL San Diego Wave FC

San Diego Wave FC Selects Naomi Girma as First Overall Pick in 2022 NWSL Draft

December 20, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
San Diego Wave FC News Release


SAN DIEGO - San Diego Wave Fútbol Club selected defender and collegiate standout Naomi Girma of Stanford as the first overall selection in the 2022 NWSL Draft. The addition of Naomi further fortifies Wave FC's defensive line, which includes World Cup champion Abby Dahlkemper. The club continued to build out its roster throughout the draft with the addition of Marleen Schimmer (Grand Canyon), Sydney Pulver (Washington State), Belle Briede (Stanford), Kayla Bruster (Georgia).

Draft Picks

Round 1, Pick No. 1: Naomi Girma, Stanford (Defender)

California native Naomi Girma joins Wave FC following a standout collegiate career at Stanford where served as a three-time team captain for the Cardinal and led them to a national championship in 2019. Her collegiate career was filled with team and personal accolades, including two-time Pac-12 Defender of the Year, United Soccer Coaches All-America first team and MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist. Girma has also served as U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team captain where she was voted the 2020 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year.

"We are really pleased that Naomi is our No. 1 pick," said Wave FC Head Coach Casey Stoney. "She has a very bright future as a player with her outstanding technical ability and game understanding. Her character, leadership and professionalism will mean her transition into the professional game will be seamless.

"I'm so excited to be starting my professional career at Wave FC," said Naomi. "It's an honor to be selected first and join a team with such incredible coaches, staff, and players. I can't wait to get started and give as much as I can to Wave FC and the San Diego community.":

Round 1, Pick No. 9: Marleen Schimmer, Grand Canyon University (Midfielder)

German native Marleen Schimmer was Wave FC's second pick and ninth overall selection in the 2022 NWSL Draft. Schimmer joins Wave FC following a stellar senior year at Grand Canyon University where she led the club with 13 goals and 14 assists. During her junior season she earned First Team All-WAC conference honors. Schimmer transferred to GCU from Arizona State University where she recorded 11 goals and five assists during her freshman and sophomore seasons. In international competition Schimmer competed in the 2017 U-17 UEFA Championship with the Germany.

Round 2, Pick No.25: Sydney Pulver, Washington State University (Midfielder)

Colorado native Sydney Pulver served a critical role in the Cougars midfield, controlling the game and locking down opposing offenses. She finished her collegiate career with eight goals and 10 assists and holds the all-time record for matches played for the program.

Round 3, Pick No. 27: Belle Briede, Stanford University (Midfielder)

Georgia native Belle Briede is a two-time national champion (2017, 2019) from Stanford University. Her senior year was her most productive, scoring five goals and assisting on three. Briede finished her college career with 10 goals and 11 assists and played alongside Wave FC No. 1 draft pick Girma.

Round 4, Pick No. 40: Kayla Bruster, University of Georgia (Midfielder)

Georgia native Kayla Bruster joins Wave FC from University of Georgia where she was a two-time SEC Pre-Watch conference selection. Over the course of her college career, Bruster was named First Team All-SEC (2019) and Second Team All-SEC (2020).

Wave FC Head Cassey Stoney on first NWSL DRAFT experience:

"Obviously there are nerves going into my first NWSL Draft but we felt sure in our approach, confident in our research and planned extremely well for all potential scenarios. We are just really happy with the picks that we have joining us in San Diego."

Athlete Bios:

Draft Selections

Name: Naomi Girma

Position: Defender

Height: 5'7"

Date of Birth: June 14, 2000

Hometown: San Jose, Calif.

College: Stanford University

Name: Marleen Schimmer

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'6"

Date of Birth: April 17, 1994

Hometown: Mainz, Germany

College: Grand Canyon University

Name: Sydney Pulver

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'9"

Hometown: Parker, Colo.

College: Washington State University

Name: Belle Briede

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'6"

Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga

College: Stanford University

Name: Kayla Bruster

Position: Defender

Height: 5'7"

Hometown: Atlanta, Ga

College: University of Georgia

Fans can visit www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com/tickets to learn more about the club, 2022 seat deposits and purchase official club merchandise featuring the newly released crest and colors. Wave FC jerseys and season ticket pricing will be announced at a later date. Anyone who has placed a deposit will receive pricing before it is announced to the public. Fans can also send further questions to tickets@wavefc.com and follow Wave FC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter (@SanDiegoWaveFC), and join the conversation while using the #WaveFC hashtag.

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