Texas Tech University Athletics
Hinkle Begins Pro Career Friday With NWSL Draft
January 15, 2015 | Women's Soccer
Jaelene Hinkle will hopefully hear her named called early Friday morning during the National Women's Soccer League Draft that will begin at 8:30 a.m. CT in Philadelphia. Hinkle, a two-time All-American during her Red Raider career, will likely be among the top defenders selected.
Jan. 15, 2015
Hinkle, a two-time All-American during her Red Raider career, is expected to be one of the first defenders off the board in the four-round draft that will feature a total of 36 selections among the nine teams.
The Denver, Colorado native is looking to become the third Red Raider to join the league, joining the likes of Taylor Lytle and Hayley Haagsma who are both current members of Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. Haagsma was drafted 15th overall in the 2014 NWSL Draft while Lytle was a free agent signee a few years ago.
Hinkle wrapped her Texas Tech career this past season with another solid performance from the back row where she helped the Red Raiders post 10 shutouts while also contributing on the offensive end with four assists.
Her performance helped the Red Raiders advance to the third round of the NCAA Championship where Tech narrowly fell to two-seeded Florida, 3-2, in the final 15 minutes. It was the furthest Tech had ever advanced in the postseason.
The tournament run was the third for the Red Raiders during Hinkle's career as Tech previously advanced to the second round in each of the previous two seasons.
Hinkle's career ended with her being named an NSCAA All-American for the second-consecutive season. Hinkle, who totaled a goal and 19 assists in four seasons, received third team All-America accolades in 2013 before garnering second team recognition this past season.
Hinkle has been active over the past few weeks as well as she recently participated with the U.S. U-23 squad in its first training camp of the year in Carson, California. She will continue to be involved with the national team program as she begins her professional career.
Fans can follow the draft online on NWSLsoccer.com as well as on Twitter (@NWSL).
