FC Kansas City Selects Katie Bowen

Katie Bowen was selected with the 16th pick overall in the 2016 NWSL draft. Bowen is a defender/midfielder out of the University of North Carolina. She appeared in 65 games with 57 starts, and logged 15 goals with 19 assists.

Bowen has had an extremely successful college career, being named to the Hermann Trophy Watch list, but her real accomplishment comes from the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, where she played for the New Zealand Women's National Team. She was featured in all three of the team's matches, with a grand total of 15 appearances for the New Zealand National Team.

As a defensive player, Bowen can help fill the gaps left on FC Kansas City by the retirements of Leigh Ann Brown (nee Robinson) and Amy LePeilbet, and the departure of Becca Moros. On the midfield side, if the team decides to transition Yael Averbuch to a centerback role as they did last summer when Becky Sauerbrunn was at the World Cup, Bowen could fill in as a defensive midfielder.

One concern - Bowen will take up an international slot on the team, but FC Kansas City does not currently have one open. If they choose to sign her for the season, it shouldn't be difficult to pick one up in a trade.

Stay tuned for the rest of FC Kansas City's picks by following our live draft coverage here.