The Kansas City Current jas announced contract agreements for all four of the players drafted by the club in the 2022 NWSL Draft, Elyse Bennett, Chardonnay Curran, Jenna Winebrenner and Izzy Rodriguez.
“We have been very impressed by what all four of these players have done so far in preseason,” general manager Camille Levin said. “Their maturity and ability to adapt and immediately fit into our system has been important as we look to create our identity.”
Elyse Bennett, forward, No. 23 – Bennett was the team’s first pick at the draft, taken with the seventh overall selection out of Washington State. Looking to make an immediate impact, Bennett has seen time in both of Kansas City’s preseason matches and found the back of the net for the Current in a preseason victory over the Washington Spirit on Feb. 26.
The speedy forward scored 26 goals in her collegiate career, with 12 assists along the way. Her 10 goals in 2021 led the team and propelled her to being named Third Team All Pac-12 in her final collegiate season.
Chardonnay Curran, midfield, No. 14 – Curran was selected 17th overall out of the University of Oregon. She holds the Oregon record for most appearances (92) and starts (84). She is a strong versatile midfielder who accounted for 21 points at Oregon. She scored three goals in 19 matches her senior season and finished her collegiate career with seven goals and seven assists.
Jenna Winebrenner, defense, No. 19 – Selected with the number 41 pick, Winebrenner is a Kansas City, Missouri, native where she starred for Park Hill High School before attending the University of Notre Dame. She started 53 of 55 matches for the Fighting Irish before transferring to Texas Christian University for her final collegiate season.
Izzy Rodriguez, defense, No. 18 – The 43rd selection of the draft played her collegiate career for the Ohio State Buckeyes. While there she earned Big Ten All-Freshman (2017), First Team All-Big Ten (2018, 2021) and the Big Ten Defender of the Year in 2021. From her position on the backline, Rodriguez scored eight goals and added 12 assists during her time at Ohio State.
Bennett and Curran were signed through the 2024 season. Winebrenner and Rodriguez were signed to one year contracts with an option to extend to 2024.
The Kansas City Current will open the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup with a 22-player roster, including the four rookies.
Goalkeepers (2): Adrianna ‘AD’ Franch, Cassie Miller.
Defenders (9): Elizabeth Ball, Kate Del Fava, Taylor Leach, Alex Loera, Hailie Mace, Maddie Nolf, Izzy Rodriguez, Mallory Weber, Jenna Winebrenner.
Midfielders (7): Chardonnay Curran, Kristen Edmonds, Lo’eau LaBonta, Addie McCain, Sam Mewis, Victoria Pickett (INTL), Desiree Scott.
Forwards (4): Elyse Bennett, Kristen Hamilton, Jaycie Johnson, Lynn Williams.
- Story from KC Current