NEW HAVEN, Conn. –
Aerial Chavarin has taken the first step in her professional soccer career. Chavarin was selected by the Chicago Red Stars in the fourth round of the National Women's Soccer League's 2020 College Draft held in Baltimore.
"My childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player is slowly becoming a reality, and I am incredibly thankful for the love, support and blessings that have gotten me to this point today," said Chavarin, who didn't watch the draft and was in her room reading a book when she got the call. "I want to specifically thank my Yale Athletic family as well as my Oakland family for sticking with me through it all.
"When I first entered the draft, I had my eyes set on Chicago. To be drafted by them is absolutely crazy, and I'm looking forward to this new journey and to learn and grow with this new team."
Chavarin, who will be in Baltimore this weekend for the All-America reception, brings strong credentials to the Red Stars. She was a three-time All-Ivy selection and was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year and a second team All-American as a senior this fall. She appeared in 63 games for the Bulldogs, including making 55 starts, and had 25 goals, 12 assists and 62 points. Ten of her goals were game winners and she is in the top-10 all-time at Yale in career goals.
"Aerial is a special player that has worked so hard for this moment," said
Sarah Martinez, The Loring Family Head Coach of the Bulldogs. "We are so proud of the way she continues to represent our program and university. I'm not sure I've met a more contagious personality and humble player than Aerial. She deserves every bit of the recognition she is getting and will be an incredible professional for Chicago."
This fall in her final season she became only the third Bulldog to earn All-America recognition and the first since 2005. In addition, she was a unanimous first team All-Ivy selection and was invited to play in the New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association Senior Bowl. Her eight goals tied for second in the Ivy League and her 17 points were seventh in the league.
Chavarin earned second team All-Ivy recognition in her junior season. As a first year in 2016, she was a unanimous selection as the Ivy League Rookie of the Year after leading the team in goals (9), assists (5) and points (23).
"What she and this moment mean to our program is beyond words," Martinez said. "Aerial has certainly raised the bar and set the standard for the future of Yale women's soccer."
Chavarin becomes the second Bulldog to be selected in the NWSL draft, joining Carlin Hudson '18, a fourth-round pick of the North Carolina Courage in 2018. Hudson is currently a member of the Washington Spirit.
Meredith Speck '15 also has enjoyed a successful career in the NWSL. She recently completed her fourth season with the North Carolina Courage organization.
