Colorado Soccer’s Taylor Kornieck has dream come true

Colorado Soccer’s Taylor Kornieck saw her dream become a reality when she was selected third overall by the Orlando Pride in Thursday’s NWSL Draft. “I want to thank the Orlando Pride organization for drafting me and allowing me to live out my dream as a professional soccer player,” she said at the draft podium on Thursday.

A six-foot-1 midfielder from Henderson, Nevada, Kornieck graduated as the Buffaloes all-time leader in points (102) and assists (24). She also ranks second in CU history with 39 career goals in 82 games. “I’m going to say this in the nicest possible way, she’s a beast,” Orlando Pride head coach Marc Skinner said when asked why the team traded up to get Kornieck. “To find a player of that stature physically, that has the ability to play, there are not many in the world [like her]. We felt that she had to be a key target for us, and I’m buzzing to have her in and I can’t wait to work with her.”

This marks the fourth straight year the Buffaloes have had a player selected in the NWSL Draft, and fifth in the eight-year history of the league. Kornieck is the only Buffaloes player to be taken in the first round. She will join fellow Buff Erin Greening on the pitch, a third round pick of the Orlando Pride (25th overall) last season. Kornieck’s other notable Pride teammates will include U.S. National team stars Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux and Ali Krieger, plus Brazilian sensation Marta.

The NWSL is expected to kick off its eighth season this April. Congrats Taylor!