Teen sensation Alyssa Thompson made history on Thursday when she was selected as the top final pick in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft. Angel City FC, her new team, hailed the 18-year-old as a “phenomenon and generational talent.”
“She’s not only capable of making an immediate impact, but she’s also young and has the potential to develop into a cornerstone player for our future,” remarked general manager Angela Hucles Mangano in a statement on the club’s official website.
Thompson, still a high school senior at Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles, opted to forego her college eligibility and declared for the draft last week, a decision she described as the toughest of her life.
“It was a decision filled with so much deliberation,” Thompson admitted. “Eventually, I believed it was the right step for my career.” Known for her speed and agility, Thompson excelled not only in soccer but also in track and field, specializing in the 100 meters.
Her path to prominence included a stint at the Total Futbol Academy, competing in Major League Soccer’s youth system, MLS NEXT, alongside her male counterparts.
Reflecting on her time in the boys’ club, Thompson emphasized the challenges she faced: “The pace and physicality of the boys’ game demanded quick decision-making and precise passing. It was a valuable experience that toughened me up.”
Thompson’s standout performances at Harvard-Westlake, where she scored an impressive 48 goals in just 18 games, earned her recognition as the 2021 High School Soccer Player of the Year.
In 2021, at just 17 years old, Thompson made her debut for the US Women’s National Team, showcasing her talent in matches against England and Spain.
Joining Angel City FC places Thompson among esteemed teammates such as Christen Press and Sydney Leroux, and brings her career full circle as she competes in front of her hometown crowd in Los Angeles.
“Playing in LA, surrounded by my family and friends, means the world to me,” Thompson expressed. “LA is a melting pot of cultures and communities, and I can’t wait to represent this city on the field.”
Angel City, founded primarily by women, including Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman and tech entrepreneur Kara Nortman, made its debut in the NWSL last season and continues to champion diversity and inclusion in sports.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Current selected Duke forward Michelle Cooper as the second overall pick in the draft, adding depth to their roster.