Watch: Alyssa Thompson Makes NWSL Draft History

The 18-year-old phenom will join the professional ranks less than three months after debuting for the U.S. women’s national team.

Angel City FC made history on Thursday with the selection of 18-year-old phenom Alyssa Thompson first overall at the 2023 NWSL draft in Philadelphia.

The selection made Thompson, who made her international debut in the fall, the youngest draft pick in NWSL history. ACFC coach Freya Coombe voiced her support for the addition of the rising U.S. women’s national team star during the draft, telling The Athletic she views Thompson as “the future of Angel City.”

“It shows a massive intent by the club in terms of being aggressive to trade up and get the No. 1 pick,” Coombe said. “We couldn’t be happier we’re getting a talented player who’s got a massive ceiling and who’s going to be able to make a difference, and obviously getting someone who’s so young and being able to develop the person is huge.”

The moment when Alyssa Thompson became the youngest draft pick in NWSL history 😍 pic.twitter.com/IF5FfVtV9R

— espnW (@espnW) January 12, 2023

Angel City’s selection of Thompson had been a widely projected move since the club struck a blockbuster three-team deal to acquire the No. 1 overall pick on Jan. 5. However, there remained uncertainty surrounding Thompson’s eligibility as the former Harvard-Westlake star weighed her options following her senior season. 

Ultimately, Thompson confirmed her decision to go pro after registering for the NWSL draft shortly before the Jan. 9 deadline, spurning a verbal commitment to play for Stanford in the process.

Thompson, the 2021 Gatorade High School National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, will stay close to home as the southern California native takes a huge next step in her budding career. The talented forward recently made another major stride after making her senior national team debut in September at age 17. Thompson’s past experience also includes competing alongside sister Gisele for MLS Next’s Total Futbol Academy.

With ACFC gearing up for its second season, Thompson will join a promising roster that also includes USWNT veterans Christen Press and Sydney Leroux, both of whom are currently recovering from injury. Last season, Angel City failed to qualify for the playoffs after posting a 8–5–9 season in its augural campaign.