Texas Tech University Athletics
Janine Beckie Taken Eighth Overall By Houston In NWSL Draft
January 15, 2016 | Women's Soccer
Beckie became the second top-10 pick in the NWSL Draft in the past two years.
Jan. 15, 2016
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech all-time leading goal scorer, Janine Beckie became the second top-10 pick from the Texas Tech women's soccer program Friday, as the Houston Dash selected the Highlands Ranch, Colo. native with the eighth pick in the 2016 National Women's Soccer League draft.
"I am incredibly blessed with this opportunity," Said Beckie. "I can't thank Randy and his staff enough for taking a chance on me and believing in my abilities. My biggest thank you has got to go to everyone at Texas Tech who have made all of this possible for me. Words cannot express how grateful I am for what everyone there has given me and the places Tom and his staff have taken me. Texas Tech changed my life and I cannot wait to start my professional career in a state that that has a very special place in my heart. Dash on!"
Beckie, a three-time All American, was selected by the Houston Dash who held the fifth, sixth and eighth positions in this year's National Women's Soccer League draft. The Dash finished fifth in the NWSL standings with a 6-8-6 record in the 2015 season.
"We are thrilled to see Janine take her game to the professional level," said Texas Tech head coach Tom Stone. "Over the last four years she has done everything possible to be prepared for this opportunity and it could not have happened to a more deserving young lady. It will be fun to be able to see her play the game she loves for the Houston Dash."
Beckie will join a relatively young roster led by US Women's National Team members Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd as well as Canadian National Team member Lauren Sesselmann and Brazilian National Team members Andressa Machry and Poliana Medeiros.
Beckie played in 23 matches during the 2015 season. She recorded three multi-goal outings in 2015 including the Red Raider's final game in the second round of the NCAA Championship against Auburn. Beckie's 14 goals this season rank 18th nationally with six of those goals standing as game winners. Beckie finished her Texas Tech career with 57 career goals making her the all-time leader in goals scored at Tech, as well as the fifth highest active career goal scorer in the nation during the 2015 season.
For the second straight season, Texas Tech produced the first Big 12 student-athlete to have her named called in the NWSL draft after Jaelene Hinkle was selected with the seventh pick in last season's draft.
thank you to @CoachWaldrum and the @HoustonDash for taking a chance on me, I'm incredibly excited to join the team! #DashOn
-- Janine Beckie (@janinebeckie4) January 15, 2016
With the 8th pick in the #NWSLDraft, the Dash select @TexasTechSoccer forward Janine Beckie. #DashOn pic.twitter.com/s1V4rMTLXf
-- Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) January 15, 2016
Congrats to @TexasTechSoccer's @JanineBeckie4 going 8th to @HoustonDash in #NWSL Draft: https://t.co/wd4eYrU7wo pic.twitter.com/klf2d7iDnz
-- TexasTechTV (@TexasTechTV) January 15, 2016
Welcome @janinebeckie4 to the @HoustonDash Can't wait to see all the @TexasTech fans come out
-- Brian Ching (@brianching) January 15, 2016
The @NWSL draft in Baltimore looks awesome! Welcome @RachelDaly3 and @janinebeckie4 to the @HoustonDash ! 🔥🔥
-- Morgan Brian (@moeebrian) January 15, 2016
