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Megan McClelland knew early on what football career she wanted at Rutgers University.
Soon after she committed to becoming a Scarlet Knight in the summer of 2015, the team made a historic run to the Final Four for the first time in program history. She remembers watching her mentor, goaltender Casey Murphy (now a varsity standout), make an important save and see Rutgers upset top-seeded Virginia on penalties. I’m here.
“I remember thinking, ‘I want to do it,'” McClelland told NorthJersey.com this week. “Like, I want to look at the camera and put four fingers up. I want to win the penalty shootout.
For the former Scarlet Knight goalie, the moment actually came twice. Rutgers’ historic postseason last fall saw back-to-back game-winning shootouts for him. First, in the Sweet Sixteen round at home against Texas Christian University, and again a few days later during the Elite Eights game against Arkansas. That second win earned McClelland his ticket to the beloved Final Four. Both victories, however, may soon be remembered as mere footnotes in McClelland’s career.
The 22-year-old Kearney native – nicknamed Soccer Town USA – has a career as a professional soccer player on the horizon. McClelland hopes to be one of his 48 players to be drafted in his league’s National Women’s Soccer draft on Thursday night. If selected, McClelland would join a group of former Rutgers stars to play in the NWSL and other professional leagues.
The annual event, held in person for the first time since 2020, will begin at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports HQ. More than 250 of his players are in this year’s draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
There are nine former college players, including McClelland from Garden State, who was drafted this year. Others include Abby Boyan (University of Georgia, Spring Lake). Jyllissa Harris (University of South Carolina, Hazlett); Lauren Karabin (Monmouth College, Wall Township); Adriana Kuryla (Rutgers University, Morganville); Morgan Messner (Pennsylvania State University, Autry Beach); Fairhaven); Shaye Seyffart (Washington University, Ringoose); and Rachel Sorkenn (George Washington University, River Edge).
Like many college athletes, McClelland chose his fifth year at Rutgers University. In doing so, she was able to get more playing time before shifting her focus to NWSL, and also to further her education with her Masters in Digital Marketing. She said it didn’t work out any better for her.
“It was just a year for me to mature, get more game time, train and get better,” she said. For me and my family, it was really important to us that I take care of my education first, as football is my only pride and joy.”
When Rutgers’ season ended in November, McClelland took about a week off to “get things rolling.” Since then, she continues to train six days a week. Much of that offseason training was with other notable Rutgers alumni and local players who had been drafted into the league in the past. Among them are the Players, one of New Jersey’s most famous soccer clubs, her USWNT goalkeeper Casey, who she’s known since she was playing in her academy, and her Murphy. It is included.
“It’s great to be able to train with her in the offseason and see how intense it is, how serious it is, and how low her error rate is,” McClelland said. “I mean, she’s been so helpful to me. She’s coaching me. She’s pushing me, and I don’t think I could have had another workout buddy.” Hard work and great to see how she is paying off and making the most of her chances [national] team.
“I’m happy to be able to train with her and follow in her footsteps,” she said.
The two goalkeepers were also called up to the same U-20 USA National Team camp in 2019. At the time, McClelland said he was 18 years old. It was one of her many experiences with the national team, the highest level of football. She admires American female athletes.
Earlier this year, McClelland was called up to the U-23 National Team for the 2022 Thorns Preseason Tournament in March. While there, she played on rosters facing her three NWSL teams. Her that her experience was what she carried into her final season with the Rutgers.
“It was definitely a great wake-up call for us,” McClelland said. “We’re like, ‘Okay, here we are.’ ”—and I was able to have that experience with me for the next seven months. I thought, maybe I haven’t. But when I played against her, this is what I did.
Soccer has always been a part of life for McClelland. She’s been playing “probably from the moment I could stand.” Her parents put her into Lek her league around the age of three, and she finally joined her PDA when she was six.
“To be honest, maybe my PDA team made me,” McClelland said.
It was through club football that McClelland wanted to take football seriously. He travels non-stop for games, practices around the clock, chooses practice or game above all else, even prom. Her teammates became her best friends.
“Going through it not only prepared me to play in college, then play professionally, then play for the national team, but it also showed me, ‘Okay, this is what I want to do. “I think it really helped develop the player that I am today.”
Rutgers women’s soccer coach Mike O’Neill said such a player is always ready for “the big moment”. Recall that not only did he make three big saves to send the NBA to the Elite Eight, but McClelland also scored one goal.
“She’s a gamer. I’ve been lucky enough to be with some really great keepers during my time at Rutgers, from Casey to Meg.” No, that’s what Meg did.”
He continued, “When a game is coming up, whether she’s defending goal and making saves or taking a penalty and having the opportunity to bring success to her team, she’s well prepared for both. I have.”
On Thursday, McClelland will watch the draft with his family at home.
For her, having an intimate setting during key moments in her life would make it more memorable. With so many players and so few spots on the NWSL team, McClelland isn’t picky about where it ends up going and hopes to be one of her 45 players selected. I’m in.
“You never know what’s going to happen, especially as a goalkeeper, but I’m confident in myself and I’m just excited,” McClelland said. , I know I’ll be back on the football field at some point in the future, whether I hear my name or not.”
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