Katie Duong, a 2019 Jesuit High School grad and 2018 high school All-American, got the call when the Thorns took her with the 53rd pick.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A few weeks ago, the NWSL had their draft and with their final pick, the Thorns selected a homegrown player.
Katie Duong, a 2019 Jesuit High School grad and 2018 high school All-American, got the call when the Thorns took her with the 53rd pick.
“100%,” said Katie when asked if this has been a dream of hers since she was a little girl. “I remember being up in these stands for many years, watching the team, watching so many of these players on TV. Just to get to play with them is amazing.”
Duong actually started this journey last summer, when she was a practice player for the Thorns before her final season at Stanford.
So not only is she not dealing with adjusting to a completely new place, she also isn’t having to adjust to completely new people — certainly a leg up as a rookie.
“It’s been great to be in with them and get to know the team, get to know the staff,” said the 2015 and 2018 state champion. “I feel like that’s been super helpful making the transition coming in as a rookie. It just meant a lot that they were willing to take a chance on me and see something in me.”
Being drafted by the team though doesn’t mean that Duong is guaranteed a roster spot.
“There’s definitely nerves, but I’m trying to focus on just making an impact however I can,” said Katie. “Also, just focusing on what’s in my control. At the end of the day, that’s all you can really do coming in as a rookie and hoping that if I do those things, things will work out.”
Regardless of what happens, Katie has achieved the first step in what she dreamed of as a little girl, and she’s quick to shoutout the others who helped make that dream a reality.
“I definitely feel proud, but I also feel just so grateful for all of the coaches, all of the teammates, and my parents, who have supported me since I was eight years old playing soccer,” said the 2018 Oregon Sports Award Prep Soccer Player of the Year. “I feel like, yes, this is something I’ve worked for, but there’s also so many people along the way who have helped me get here.”
