Emily Gray declares for Saturday's 2022 NWSL Draft

CHICAGO – Following her decorated four-year career with the Virginia Tech women's soccer team, standout midfielder Emily Gray has declared for the 2022 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Draft presented by Ally, which will take place virtually on Saturday, Dec. 18, beginning at 2 p.m. Coverage will be made available live on Paramount+, CBS Sports HQ and the CBS Sports HQ Twitch channel, as well as on the CBS Sports HQ and the NWSL YouTube channels.
 
Founded in 2012, the NWSL – the top division of women's soccer within the United States – completed its ninth season during 2021, featuring 10 clubs that entertained a 24-match regular season schedule from May to October. Portland Thorns FC clinched its second NWSL Shield to date with its table topping, 44 points, though was unable to survive the six-team NWSL Playoffs that were championed in November by the Washington Spirit.
 
Heading into the 2022 season, the NWSL will proudly expand into two southern California markets, welcoming Angel City FC (Los Angeles) and San Diego Wave FC. The 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft took place on Dec. 16 while both clubs will alternate opening picks to rounds one through four during Saturday's formal draft.
 
Due to the uncertainty of the public health environment and out of abundance of caution, the 2022 NWSL Draft will take place virtually with all clubs operating from their home markets.
 
Ranked second all-time at Virginia Tech in total points (78), Gray is seeking to become the program's third all-time NWSL Draft selection, following in the footsteps of forward Jazmine Reeves (2010-13) and goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn (2015-19).
 
In 2014, Reeves was selected at No. 21 overall by the Boston Breakers (defunct 2018). The Tech attacker went on to score seven goals during her lone NWSL season, including a hat trick during a May 2014 match against Portland.
 
By 2020, Tech had produced its second NWSL Draft selection when McGlynn was the sole goalkeeper to come off the board at No. 20 overall by Sky Blue FC (presently NJ/NY Gotham FC). The Hokies' all-time career leader in goals against average (0.99) debuted for the club in July 2021, departing on Dec. 15 upon signing with Piteå IF in Sweden.
 
With 27 collegiate goals and 24 assists to her name, Gray's credentials for the NWSL should make her as close to a draft-day lock as can be. On Thursday, the two-time All-ACC and three-time United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region honoree added 2021 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American Third Team distinction to her Tech trophy case.
 
Below is the pick order for the 2022 NWSL Draft: