SANDY, Utah – Illinois State soccer alum Kate Del Fava has officially inked a contract to play for Utah Royals FC ahead of the 2020 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season, the club announced Thursday. A May 2020 graduate, Del Fava was drafted by the club in the NWSL College Draft earlier this year and has signed for the 2020 season with an option for the 2021 season.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Royals FC organization to begin my professional journey," Del Fava said. "It's been a dream of mine to play professional soccer my whole life and to have that dream become a reality with such a great club and amazing teammates and coaches is a dream come true."
The midfielder was selected 12th overall in the second round of the NWSL College Draft in January. She capped off her collegiate career with a stellar 2019 senior season, leading the Valley in goals (17), points (39) and game-winning goals (6), en route to sweeping the MVC Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards. The Kenosha, Wisconsin, native played in every game since arriving on campus in 2016, starting in all but two, and earning All-MVC First Team honors three times.
A standout on the field and in the classroom, Del Fava has collected numerous academic accolades including being named a Senior CLASS Award All-American, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American, and being tabbed a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American. She is also the only Illinois State student-athlete to ever earn the prestigious CoSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year award.
The NWSL Challege Cub kicks off June 27 at Zion Banks Stadium in Herriman, Utah. URFC will face the Washington Spirit on June 30, Chicago Red Stars on July 4 and OL Reign on July 8 before concluding the Group Stage on July 12 against the North Carolina Courage. While spectators will not be in attendance, fans can catch all the action via CBS, CBS All Access, and Twitch for fans outside the U.S. and Canada.
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