5 Top Prospects for the 2023 NWSL Draft

The New York post expressed that the women’s game has grown over 10% since 2006. The increase in players sparked a boom in the collegiate sport, as the talent from coast to coast is remarkable. But who stands out above the rest? There are a few notable players that I envision will be atop many NWSL team’s draft boards in the near future. It’s time to examine some of the best pro-prospects in the country and who is ready to put their game under the national spotlight after the 2023 NWSL draft.

Croix Bethune (Mid) – USC

One of the most gifted athletes you’ll ever see, Croix Bethune, is what happens when you create the perfect attacking midfielder from scratch. Standing at just 5″3, her blazing speed and uncanny ability to finish within the box make up for her lack of stature. In addition, her placement with both feet is impressive, as even on off-balance attempts, she manages to pin in the corners of the net. In this goal against Oregon State Bethune shifts the centerbacks momentum to the left, which creates a sliver of space that she exploits and results in a Trojan goal.

Beauty of a goal by @CroixBethune in @USC_WSoccer’s Pac-12 opener!

Catch the action on @Pac12Network! pic.twitter.com/CvsLEQPiMY

— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 24, 2021

In covering the sport for the last few years, I’ve noticed that despite the immense talent, you can feel the tension on the field creep into the stands as so many capable players struggle in build-up play and the final third because they don’t have a feel for the speed of the game. Bethune is a stark contrast, as her timing is so impressive. She plays the game at “her pace” at all times, which generates consistent offensive success for USC. She’s just a natural winner and is about to make one NSWL franchise instantly better when she puts on their kit.

Nicole Douglas (Forward) – Arizona State

Yes, the most prolific scorer in the country last season, Nicole Douglas, has had a bit of a “down” season for the Sun Devils. Nonetheless, a professional goal scorer, Douglas has etched her name in the scoring column 14 times this season. She can play anywhere along the top line and get shots off in droves. Arizona State has had winning records over the past few years, with a large share of offensive creation falling on her shoulders.

There was a significant rough patch in Douglas’ season, going seven straight conference games without recording a point. She broke out of that slump by having one of the best games of her career – netting a haul and tacking on an assist during a route of Oregon this past Thursday. She can be a physical presence in the box but has the shooting ability required to play at the next level.

'23 @Nicoledouglasss with the header for goal No. 2 🔱#ForksUp /// #O2V pic.twitter.com/gVI5Qpgg6O

— Sun Devil Soccer (@SunDevilSoccer) October 28, 2022

The London native might not be at the top of many boards, but her resume means she could be an intriguing flyer for many teams that could use an offensive jolt. Too many teams across sports draft purely on potential and physical traits and not on what has necessarily shown up on the field. Douglas is a proven commodity, and if she is back in form, someone I could see shoot up lists very fast.

Isabella D’Aquila (Forward) – Santa Clara

Izzy D’Aquila has amassed more accolades in her career than some programs have. A former Gatorade national player of the year, she is responsible for the penalty kick that won the Santa Clara Broncos their national title in 2020. D’Aquila has been the West Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, named one of the top 22 players in the country by Top Drawer Soccer, and the scary part is she’s only getting better.

BRONCOS ARE CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN!@SCUWomensSoccer Izzy D'Aquila nails her PK defeating @FSUSoccer for the National Championship Title!#CollegeCup pic.twitter.com/RnYRdT3kyG

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) May 18, 2021

Even for a striker, her balance is elite, as when she shoots drifting in either direction, she keeps a stable base. Therefore she can drive through the ball and generate consistent power. She yields impressive separation when she is going for a shot, which is why her shot-on-goal percentage is outstanding. D’Aquila is also so smooth in the air that she finds herself consistently in adventitious positions and puts the focus on herself, which can help benefit teammates.

Jenna Nighswonger (Forward/Mid) – Florida State

Jenna Nighswonger has been solid for Florida State this year. She’s helped her team make it to the NCAA Final Four after winning the Championship in 2021. This season, she’s scored six goals. She has a powerful long-range shot and can score from distance or close up. Plus, her assists are top-notch, with 16 this season.

GOOOOOLAAAAAZOOOOO!!!

Jenna Nighswonger's Olympic goal to tie the ACC final@FSUSoccer pic.twitter.com/IcthqMMAkH

— Antonio Garcia (@Iruk_WomenSport) November 6, 2022

Nighswonger was a MAC Hermann trophy semifinalist this year and made the All-American first team. If she enters the NWSL draft, Nighswonger will surely be a star wherever she goes.

Messiah Bright (Forward) – TCU

Even though TCU was eliminated in the NCAA tournament, Messiah Bright shined for her team. During the regular season, she scored ten goals and had three assists. Bright is one of the nation’s most decorated college soccer players, including being a two-time All-American, Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and Big 12 Player of the Week in 2021.

Messiah Bright

✨Two-Time All-American ✨

🔗- https://t.co/VDlS8I2ZBe#GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/auIrOwWfEY

— TCU Soccer (@TCUSoccer) December 2, 2022

She’s a consistent goal scorer and only shows signs of improving. Additionally, she earned a call-up to the U23 USWNT in 2022.

Featured image via @uscwsoccer on Instagram

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