AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn soccer senior Alyssa Malonson was selected by the North Carolina Courage in the second round of the 2021 National Women's Soccer League Draft Wednesday night.
"We were so excited to hear Alyssa's name called in the second round of the draft," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "She has had a great career to this point and turned in arguably her best fall season yet. We can't wait to watch her take her career to the next level."
Malonson was selected with the 20th overall pick, becoming Auburn's second highest draft pick in program history behind Katy Frierson, who was selected 10th overall in 2012. It also marks first time in program history an Auburn player has been selected in back-to-back drafts as Malonson follows Bri Folds, who was selected 36th overall by the Courage in 2020.
"Last night was a dream come true, and I want to thank the North Carolina Courage for turning that dream into a reality," Malonson said. "Playing professionally is something I have strived for since I started this journey a number of years ago.
"With that being said, I have decided to stay at Auburn through the fall 2021 season before pursuing the next step in my career with the NWSL in 2022," Malsonson added. "I want to thank my family, coaches and teammates for shaping me into the player and person I am today. I wouldn't be in this position without them. I'm extremely blessed to be a part of the Auburn Family, and I'm not done yet. Thank you and War Eagle!"
A native of Spring, Texas, Malonson has started in all 69 contests since stepping foot on the Plains in 2017. She is a three-time All-SEC honoree as well as a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
"We're thrilled to have Alyssa back next fall, and we'll do everything in our power to get her ready for the next level," Hoppa added.
Malonson has logged nearly 6,000 minutes of action in her four-year career and has totaled 22 career points on two goals and 18 assists. Primarily a defender in her first three seasons in an Auburn uniform, she transitioned to the midfield in 2020 and tied for second on the team in points during the fall. She either tied for the team lead or led the Tigers in assists in 2017 and 2018.
