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When the Duke’s era ended, there was still a chance to make history.

Former Blue Devils Michelle Cooper, Delaney Graham and Sophie Jones were each selected in the 2023 NWSL Draft Thursday night in Philadelphia. Cooper’s second overall pick by the Kansas City Currents is the highest number of drafts in program history, following 2014 and 2018.

“I’m just excited to do my best and play with great players on a great stage. [in] It’s a great organization with great coaches,” Cooper told reporters at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

“When I was talking to my family, I knew I wanted to join the NWSL,” added the Michigan native. “I’m very close to them and being able to be close enough for them to come see me is very important to me.”

As expected, Cooper was the top college player selected Thursday, with high school prospect Alyssa Thompson taking #1 to Angel City FC. However, the future team of MAC Herman his trophy winner was not so expected. Gotham FC retained the No. 2 pick on Thursday morning, but traded it for 2018 MVP finalist and US Women’s National Team backup Lynn Williams. So Cooper could make his Kansas City debut and be a threatening offense with Devinha and his fellow ACC drafter Alexa Spanstra.

A night of surprises ensued, with both Graham and Jones slipping past the expected draft slot, with the latter three rounds. But both eventually found promising homes, with Graham (40th overall) going to the Washington Spirit team, which has a thin fullback depth chart, and Sophie Jones (43rd overall), currently under contract. Head to the Chicago Red Star Club, which has only one midfielder.

Graham and Jones have started every game for Duke over the last two years. The former also owns the career start program record.

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