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In the fourth round of the NWSL College Draft the Houston Dash took Carleigh Williams from the University of Central Florida. The center back played 89 matches for the University. This season she started every game at center back and helped guide the team to 13 shutouts this season. The team allowed just two goals at home all season.
Williams was named NSCAA First Team All-Region, American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, All-AAC First Team selection and All-AAC Tournament Team this season. Williams was also named the ACC Defender of the Week several times this season. She is a native of Beverly Hills, FL and attended Lecanto High School.
She may be an important part of the team this season that may see many of its defender head to Canada for the Women's World Cup.
The Houston Dash took Morgan Brian with the first pick of the draft and traded their second-round pick and a 2016 2nd round pick to Portland for a player to be named later.