Two Gamecocks Look Ahead to 2023 NWSL Draft
COLUMBIA, SC – Two Gamecocks will await their fate in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft this year, with fifth-year Jyllissa Harris and senior Samantha Chang eager to hear their names called. The draft will be held in person for the first time in several years at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Thursday, Jan. 12 beginning at 6:00 p.m. EST. Coverage will begin on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports HQ from 6-7 p.m., then continue on Paramount+ and CBS SportsHQ from 7 to 11 p.m.
In her time as a Gamecock, Harris made appearances in 107 games, making starts in 105, moving her to the top of the record books for all-time starts and games played at South Carolina. The Hazlet, New Jersey native made her 105 starts consecutively, dating back to the third game of her freshman year placing her at No. 3 in the nation. Harris finished her career breaking and setting the NCAA all-time minutes record, making the new number to beat at 9,395 minutes.
On the field, Harris tallied 16 goals, 11 assists, and 43 points. Harris was a four-time SEC Preseason Watch List member, four-time TopDrawer Team of the Week Selection, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Week, and United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American. During her career, South Carolina tallied a 74-24-11 (.725) record, made five NCAA runs, and two Elite Eight appearances.
A midfielder from Mississauga, Ontario, Chang appeared in 83 matches, making starts in 67 including the last 57 of her career. Chang scored nine goals over the course of her four years, including two during her final season coming at UConn and Vermont. She recorded eight assists and tallied 26 points for South Carolina.
In her junior season, both of her game-winning goals came in the NCAA tournament against Hofstra and Penn State. Chang was named to the SEC All-Tournament Team in the Gamecocks’ win against Alabama, the SEC All-Freshman team, is a five-time player of the week, and three-time SEC Preseason Watch List selection. During her tenure, the Gamecocks went 60-18-9 (.736), and made four NCAA runs including two Elite Eight appearances. In addition to the NWSL draft, Chang will also look towards a possible international selection, having played for her home country of Canada.
Fans are encouraged to follow along with in-draft updates on Twitter, @GamecockWSoccer.
