As her college graduation approached, UCLA midfielder Sofia Cook had a choice to make. Did she want to take her last year of college eligibility, or did she want to turn pro? In previous years, she could have thrown her name into the National Women’s Soccer League draft, crossed her fingers and hoped for the best. Now, thanks to the work of the NWSL Players Association’s advocacy for draft elimination, her future was entirely in her own hands.
With the abolishment of the draft, players coming out of college now have more control over their destinies, which was part of Cook’s motivation to begin her professional playing career and when NJ/NY Gotham FC showed interest, she knew it was the perfect place for her.
