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NWSL Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue FC Adds Four in NWSL College Draft

January 17, 2014 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


PHILADELPHIA, P.A. (Jan. 17, 2014) - Sky Blue FC made new additions to its roster today, selecting four players in the 2014 National Women's Soccer League College Draft. The team selected forward Maya Hayes from Penn State, defender Hayley Haagsma from Texas Tech, defender Michelle Pao from Pepperdine University, and midfielder/forward Elizabeth Eddy from the University of Southern California.

"We're very happy with how things went for Sky Blue today," said Head Coach Jim Gabarra following the draft's conclusion. "For the most part, things went as expected and I was really happy with the atmosphere and turnout at the draft."

Hayes, who is a native of West Orange, N.J., joins her hometown club after a stellar four-year career at Penn State. As a senior, Hayes tallied 19 goals, including four game-winners, while adding six assists. Following the season, Hayes was named to the All-Big Ten first team, as well as a NSCAA second team All-American. She finished second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation in goals and points with 19 and 44 respectfully. The former Nittany Lion closed out her collegiate career amassing 71 goals and 21 assists.

Hayes is a current member of the U23 National Team pool. She was also a member of the U20 National Team that won the 2012 FIFA U20 World Cup and the 2012 and 2010 CONCACAF U20 Women's Championship. She was also a three-time finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.

With the club's second round selection, Sky Blue FC selected Texas Tech senior defender Hayley Haagsma. Haagsma, one of the nation's premier center-backs, helped guide the Red Raiders to an 18-2-3 record during 2013. She earned All-Big 12 Second-Team honors as well being named to Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team. The California native tallied four goals and three assists in her final season in Lubbock.

In the third round, Sky Blue FC selected defender Michelle Pao from Pepperdine University. The California native finished her senior season with seven points (two goals, three assists) while earning All-West Coast Conference First Team honors. She also has the distinction as being the only player in Pepperdine history to garner four First-Team All-Conference honors. In addition, she is also a former NSCAA All-American Second Team honoree.

With Sky Blue FC's final selection, the team took Elizabeth Eddy from USC. The speedy winger tallied 13 points (six goals, one assist) in her senior season for the Trojans. She is also a former U.S. youth national team player.

"We're glad to have added Maya, Hayley, Michelle, and Elizabeth today and we're looking forward to having them in camp," said Gabarra.

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