A pair of Arkansas soccer players were selected Friday night in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft.
Forward Anna Podojil and midfielder Bea Franklin were each selected during the draft’s third round. Podojil was the No. 35 overall pick by the Washington Spirit and Franklin was drafted No. 41 by the Chicago Red Stars.
Podojil ended her Arkansas career as the program’s all-time leader in goals (50), points (135) and game-winning goals (15). She was a four-time All-American, including first-team designations in 2020 and 2021. Podojil was All-SEC first team four times and the 2020 forward of the year.
Franklin was named an All-American following a breakout 2023 season, which saw her named SEC midfielder of the year. She led the Razorbacks last season in goals (9), assists (9) and points (27).
Franklin is set to join Taylor Malham, who played for Arkansas from 2017-21, with the Red Stars. Malham was recently re-signed by the organization through 2024, with a club option for 2025.
Podojil and Franklin became the fourth and fifth Razorbacks ever drafted to the NWSL. The two join Ashleigh Ellenwood (2016, pick No. 39), Parker Goins (2021, No. 21) and Kayla McKeon (2022, No. 37).