Johnson selected by the New Jersey Sky Blue FC
Kendall Johnson fights for possession against SDSU (Stephanie Matusiefsky)
By PJ Marcello
Today, University of Portland's own Kendall Johnson was drafted into the newly created National Women's Soccer League. Johnson was selected by Sky Blue FC of New Jersey as the fourth pick of the second round.
"I am very excited, my teammates are actually up watching the draft with me," Johnson said. "I didn't expect to go this high at all. I love Portland but I think it will be a good change."
Johnson decision was based off of the timing of her graduating school in the fall of 2012 and the opportunity of the new league.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play professionally," Johnson said. "I want to challenge myself as much as possible and this felt like the right time."
Johnson believes that UP's soccer program's professionalism has helped her prepare for the pro stage.
"The (University of Portland) team has taught me a lot about how to carry myself so I'll be able to use that in my professional career," Johnson said.
Johnson joins former Pilot Sophie Schmidt on Sky Blue FC. Other former Pilots who were selected to play in the league include Keelin Winters to Chicago, Christine Sinclair to Portland and Megan Rapinoe to Seattle.
This was the National Women's Soccer League's first college draft since forming in June of 2012. There are eight teams in the league: Boston, Chicago, Kansas City, New Jersey, New York, Portland, Seattle and Washington D.C.
