The National Women’s Soccer League held its annual collegiate draft yesterday, and Penn State defender Whitney Church was taken 30th overall by the Washington Spirit.

The 5-foot-5 senior, who anchored Penn State’s back line all season and fought brilliantly in its final game against Texas A&M, will be heading to the nation’s capital to join a team that came in fourth in NWSL’s unified table last season. The Spirit will certainly welcome Church’s defensive prowess. The 21-year old former Big Ten Defender of the Year joins a squad that allowed the third-most goals in NWSL last season.

The Ashburn, Va. native should feel right at home, with her hometown located about an hour from Maureen Hendricks Field where the Spirit play. Church also joins fellow Penn State alumnae Christine Nairn, Ali Kreiger, Tiffany Weimer, and Joanna Lohman on the Spirit’s roster.

After a season that ended in bitter disappointment in College Station, a pro shot is something Church has certainly earned. While the USWNT has lots of defensive talent, Church certainly has a shot to enter the fold at some point in the future. She has the prowess to do so, and her skill set should translate at the next level with ease.

Photo: Penn State Women’s Soccer