The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Four Longhorns selected in Women's Professional Soccer League Draft
01.16.2009 | Soccer
Jan. 16, 2009
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- University of Texas senior Kasey Moore led a group of four Longhorn soccer players picked in the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league draft as the three-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-American was selected as the 15th overall pick Friday morning.
Seniors Stephanie Logterman and Jill Gilbeau were picked 20th and 22nd respectively, giving UT the second-most picks from a Division I school in the top 25 (three). Former UT standout Kelly (Wilson) Schmedes was the 44th selection, rounding out the Texas players in the draft.
Moore, selected by the Boston Breakers, started in all 90 matches during her four-year career on the Forty Acres and anchored the UT backline that posted back-to-back 10-shutout seasons (2006-07) before holding 11 opponents scoreless a year ago. The defender also shared the team lead in scoring during 2008 with 16 points off six goals and four assists. The two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year finished her career ranked first in the Texas record books in matches played (91), second in game-winning goals (nine), ninth in goals (19) and 10th in points (50).
"We're all very excited for Kasey," UT head coach Chris Petrucelli said. "Boston is getting a talented player and a quality person. She has been an impact player in the Big 12 and she'll be an impact player in the WPS."
Logterman, who played at the forward, midfield and defender positions for UT in 2008, was picked by the St. Louis Athletica. The Austin native scored a career-high four goals and added three assists for a career-high 11 points during the 2008 campaign. Logterman, a three-time All-Big 12 selection, also played a role on UT's record-breaking backline that posted back-to-back 10-shutout seasons (2006-07) and 11 scoreless contests a year ago.
"St. Louis is a great place for Stephanie," Petrucelli added. "They're going to love her skill and passion for the game and I really think it is going to be a great fit for both."
Gilbeau joins the Washington Freedom club after spending the summer of 2008 traveling with the squad. A four-year starter at defense for the Longhorns, Gilbeau aided the Texas backline in holding opponents to just 14 goals in 21 matches last season while shutting out 11 foes.
"It's great to see Jill's hard work pay off," said Petrucelli. "She is going to get to play in front of her family and it's definitely where she wanted to be."
Schmedes, who sported a Burnt Orange jersey from 2001-04, is Texas' career scoring leader (129 points) and holds the school single-season marks for points (46), goals (16) and assists (14). The two-time NSCAA All-American will join Moore on the Boston Breakers squad.
"Kelly's great career at Texas hasn't been forgotten," Petrucelli commented. "She has continued to play on a high level and should do very well in the league."
The WPS kicks off its inaugural season at 5 p.m. Central, Sunday, March 29 with a match between the Washington Freedom and the Los Angeles Sol. The league's seven teams will play a 20-game season followed by the WPS playoffs featuring the league's top four teams. The WPS is the first women's professional soccer league in the United States since the Women's United Soccer Association disbanded in 2003.
