UNCW's Harding surprised by NWSL Draft call

December 20, 2021

Another Seahawk is set to join the Washington Spirit

CAA Sports

Audrey Harding just keeps on keeping on.

Already one of UNCW’s all-time greats in the women’s soccer program, she’ll have an opportunity to make a living on the pitch after the Washington Spirit chose her with the No. 38 overall pick in Saturday’s NWSL Draft.

Reached via text message after the selection, Harding was pleasantly surprised.

“I really had no idea this was going to happen,” she said. “I was tearing up — this has been a dream of mine since I was little. I am so grateful for this opportunity and the Washington Spirit giving me this chance. I’m so excited to get started!”

The Spirit, which won its first NWSL Championship in November, is working on a stockpile of Seahawks after choosing goalkeeper Sydney Schneider 29th overall in the 2021 draft.

Harding, twice a first-team All-CAA pick, shares UNCW’s school-record for assists (20) while wrapping up her career at seventh in both goals (23) and points (66). She was part of 43 victories at UNCW, playing a major role in a steady rise that saw the Seahawks earn their first CAA regular-season title in October.

“This selection is so deserved, and a dream come true for Audrey,” UNCW coach Chris Neal said in a release. “She worked extremely hard to grow her game while at UNCW. The Washington Spirit are getting a great young woman and a big-time athlete with tremendous attacking prowess.

It certainly wasn’t a smooth ride, though, as Harding overcame a number of hurdles over her five seasons in Wilmington.

This past season, she took her game to another level as an attacker, netting eight goals while handing outs seven assists, including two game-winners. Those efforts resulted in some national attention, earning National Player of the Week honors on Oct. 18 from the United Soccer Coaches and College Soccer News.

Harding, a 5-10 forward, is of the idea that the Spirit will be looking for those same skills when she joins the club for training.

“I’d say my ability to create changes … and the vision I have on the field,” she said. “Being able to get behind players in those important transition moments.”