NWSL Washington Spirit

Spirit Trade McGrady, International Spot, Draft Pick to San Diego for Expansion Draft Protection

Published on December 1, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


Washington, D.C. - The Washington Spirit have acquired complete protection in the upcoming NWSL Expansion Draft from San Diego Wave FC in exchange for the rights to defender Tegan McGrady, an international spot in 2022 and the natural first-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft the Spirit received from OL Reign in a previous trade. The trade comes ahead of the highly anticipated Expansion Draft, which will introduce Angel City and San Diego, followed by Draft Day for all NWSL teams.

McGrady was drafted by the Spirit with the 7th overall pick in the 2019 NWSL Draft. In her three years with the Spirit, McGrady featured in 34 matches, starting 28 of those and totaling 2,258 minutes.

"Ahead of the Expansion Draft, we faced the challenge of finding ways to position the Club for sustained success by keeping as much of our core as possible. This trade aligns with that focus," said President Ben Olsen. "We are very grateful to Tegan for her contributions to the Spirit. On the field, she was a key defensive piece to our championship run and off the field, she has set the example for athletes who aim to use their platform to create positive change. We wish her nothing but the best."

This season, McGrady was a key part of the defensive resurgence and eventual NWSL Championship. At left back, McGrady was an important part of the buildup, with a successful pass rate of 72 percent or better every season and a passing accuracy in the defensive half of the field at 78 percent or better every season. The Stanford graduate was also a key part of the Spirit's restarts with her left foot being a real asset, especially on corner kicks.

"It's been an honor to coach Tegan this season," said Interim Head Coach Kris Ward. "She's made a positive impact on the field and off, and it is clear that she is just at the beginning of what will continue to be a successful career. She will be greatly missed."

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