CHICAGO—The Chicago Red Stars took part in the 2023 National Women's Soccer League Draft, tonight, selecting Penelope Hocking from Penn State University with their first-round pick (seventh overall).
In the second round, Chicago traded the 19th overall pick to OL Reign for their 23rd overall pick an international roster slot and a third-round pick in 2024 draft.
The players selected by the Red Stars are as follows:
1. Penelope Hocking
Penn State University
Forward
Penelope Hocking is a forward from Penn State University. As a Nittany Lion in 2022, Hocking played in 23 matches, starting in 22, scored seven goals and recorded 11 assists. The California native was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, named to the Second Team All-Big Ten and awarded All-North Region Honors. Prior to joining Penn State, Hocking played for USC where she became USC's all-time leading scorer by surpassing the program record of 48 career goals, breaking a mark which had stood for 21 years. On the international level, Hocking played for the U-20 U.S. Women's Youth Team and competed in the U-20 World Cup in France.
2. Grace Yochum
Oklahoma State University
Midfielder
Grace Yochum is a midfielder from Oklahoma State University. A Houston, Texas native, Yochum played in 86 matches, started in 83, scored 41 goals and made nine assists over a five-year career. During that time, Yochum was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region Second Team (2021), an All-Big 12 First and Second Team performer and the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Yochum is the 400th draft pick in NWSL history
3. Ally Schlegel
Penn State University
Forward
Ally Schlegel is a forward from Penn State University. Originally from Colorado, some of Schlegel's honors include First Team All-Big Ten, 2022 Big Ten Women's Soccer All-Tournament Team and Offensive Player of the Tournament and she was named Penn State Female Athlete of the Year (2021). Schlegel played in 85 matches, started in 83, scored 47 goals and assisted on 20 others. The forward was part of the U.S. U-23 Youth National Team that played against Chicago in a 2022 preseason tournament in Portland.
4. Sophie Jones
Duke University
Midfielder
Sophie Jones is a midfielder from Duke University. Over four years at Duke, the California native played and started in 75 matches, scoring five goals and registering eight assists. Some of Jones' awards and recognitions include All-ACC First and Second Team (2020, 2022 and 2021), 2022 United Soccer Coaches Second-Team All-America and ACC Honor Roll (2020-2022). Jones was part of the U.S. U-23 national team that played the Red Stars in the 2022 preseason tournament in Portland.
