Stanford’s Kiki Pickett, Madison Haley selected in 2021 NWSL Draft

Stanford defender/midfielder Kiki Pickett was selected No. 4 overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft on Wednesday.

The player was taken by Kansas City, the club moved back to the city after they spent a few years in Utah, and they made a big splash to get Pickett. They traded Sky Blue FC $175,000 in allocation money to get the No. 4 pick, which they used on Pickett. Initial impressions were that Kansas City spent a lot to make that trade, so they must like her.

Pickett announced earlier in the day on Wednesday she was planning to turn pro but that she is also planning to play for Stanford in the upcoming scheduled spring season before reporting to her new team.

Pickett is perhaps best remembered with the Cardinal for hitting the clinching penalty to win the 2019 College Cup, winning that national title as well as the 2017 College Cup. She was also an All-American in 2019 and has been called up to a U.S. Women’s National Team ID camp.

In addition, Stanford forward Madison Haley was selected at No. 7 overall by the Chicago Red Stars. Along with Pickett, she is also a two-time NCAA champion and a two-time All-American 2nd team selection. She scored 18 goals and 23 assists in 57 appearances in her career with the Cardinal.

In Chicago, she’ll be joining a team where’s she’s likely to get some playing time in her first year.

Stanford products have had considerable success in their NWSL careers over the years. Best of luck to Kiki and Madison in the next phase of their journeys.