Two KC players taken in 2019 NWSL Draft

The National Women’s Soccer League held the annual college draft today and two Kansas City players were among the 36 players selected. The Washington Spirit selected Dorian Bailey with the 8th pick of the first round and the Houston Dash chose CeCe Kizer with the 4th pick of the 2nd round (13th overall).

Bailey was a standout player and four-year high school starter at St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City. She earned numerous local honors before going to the University of North Carolina. Injuries and a talent laden roster prevented her from becoming a regular starter until her senior year but she still earned a U-23 national Team call.

CeCe Kizer played for Blue Valley Northwest and helped them to multiple state championships before moving on to the University of Mississippi. While at Ol’ Miss, Kizer set the school goals (48) and points (119) records. She also led the SEC in goals and assists in 2017 and 2018 and total points in 2018. Kizer will have a familiar face in Houston where fellow Kansas City native Haley Hanson.

During her draft speech, Kizer thanked local coaches Vlatko Andonovski and Huw Williams. Andonovski was the head coach of two-time NWSL champion FC Kansas City before the team ceased operations and he moved to lead the Seattle Reign. Williams was an assistant coach and technical director for the Blues and now leads the KC Athletics youth club. Both Andonovski and Williams coached most of the best female youth players in Kansas City.