Cary, NC (January 14, 2021)- The North Carolina Courage participated in the team’s fifth NWSL draft last night, selecting Deanne Rose, Alyssa Malonson, and Myra Konte, ahead of the 2021 season. The full stream of the NWSL Draft can be viewed here.

Rose was selected 10th overall in the first round of the NWSL Draft by the Courage and brings international experience to Paul Riley’s team. The forward made her debut with the Canadian national team at age 15 and has made 48 appearances. In the bronze medal game of the 2016 Olympic Games, she scored one goal and had one assist, helping her team win bronze at the age of 17. She is the youngest player to score a goal in women’s Olympic soccer history. “She’s a full international in the first round and that’s huge for us and obviously we really like her,” said Riley. “She’s a really good player, a smart player, and a good athlete too. She’s a huge upside and we’re excited to have her.” Along with her numerous caps with the national team, Rose appeared in 46 games with the University of Florida over four years. She scored 17 collegiate goals, nine of which she scored as a freshman. The forward’s collegiate accolades include All-SEC First Team, SEC All-Freshman Team, and SEC Freshman of the Year in 2017. In the second round, the NC Courage selected Auburn defender, Alyssa Malonson. A left-footed defender was a priority for Riley during the NWSL Draft, with Malonson being high on his list. The defender made 69 appearances during her collegiate career and assisted 18 goals. “We looked at all the left footers in the draft and Alyssa was high on our list and didn’t think she’d last to 20,” said Riley. “She’s obviously super quick, she’s direct, she goes at players, and she’s great one-on-one. The mentality she’s got suits what we want and we’re excited to get her.” The Courage’s final selection of the night was Myra Konte, the 30th overall pick in the third round. Konte was selected out of Vanderbilt where she made 56 appearances as a defender. She was named the 2020 SEC Tournament MVP and also made the All-Tournament Team. “Myra comes highly recommended from not only her coach but some friendly competition in the SEC,” said technical advisor Charlie Naimo. “The toughness that she brings and watching some of the things she does, she another potential left-back for us.”