University of North Carolina Athletics
Kluegel, Borgman Picked In First Round Of WUSA Draft
February 11, 2002 | Women's Soccer
Feb. 11, 2002
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. - Two members of the University of North Carolina women's soccer team were chosen Monday morning in the 2002 Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) Draft at the Sunrise Hilton in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Midfielder Jena Kluegel was taken as the third pick by Boston and defender Danielle Borgman was taken as the eighth pick by San Jose.
All eight first-round picks have national team experience at various levels with their respective country with the United States being represented in seven of the eight spots.
The Boston Breakers selected Jena Kluegel from the University of North Carolina third overall. A flank midfielder with North Carolina, Kluegel plays in the back for the national team and is expected to be a defender in the pro ranks. She recorded eight goals and eight assists for 26 points for the Tar Heels in 2001, finishing third in voting for the Missouri Athletic Club Collegiate Player of the Year as well as being named a finalist for the Hermann Award. The Mahtomedi, Minnesota native has the most national team experience of any of the first-round picks, earning 15 caps with the U.S. national team.
The eighth and final pick of the first round was defender Danielle Borgman from the University of North Carolina who was selected by the defending WUSA champion San Joe CyberRays. The Cincinnati native debuted with the senior U.S. national team at age 17 in 1997 and was a member of the last two under-21 Nordic Cup championship squads. A finalist for the MAC Player of the Year award in 2001, Borgman notched seven assists for the Tar Heels last season.
In addition two Tar Heel goalkeepers were taken in the draft including 2001 senior Kristin DePlatchett who went to Atlanta. Shelley Finger, '94, was drafted by San Diego. She currently resides in that California city.
The 32-player draft covered four rounds and lasted approximately two hours. Two trades were made on the day.
The University of Florida and the University of North Carolina led all schools in representation in this year's draft. Each school produced four selections.
