NC Courage sign three college draft picks

Following the release of the official roster on Monday, the NC Courage have made some late additions prior to the first game of the year against the Chicago Red Stars. Leah Pruitt, Hailey Harbison, and Lauren Milliet have all joined the team in some capacity. Pruitt has signed to the senior roster and Harbison and Milliet joined under supplemental contracts.

Pruitt, a forward who scored 22 goals and 21 assists in 66 games with the USC Trojans after transferring from San Diego State, where she amassed 10 goals in 18 games, will fill a needed attacking role with the team following the trade of Darian Jenkins. According to a statement released by the team, “Leah has been tremendous in preseason and she fits our attacking profile,” said NC Courage head coach Paul Riley. “I love her ability to make her own chances and provide opportunities for others. She offers a fast, physical, intelligent option to our deep attacking group. Make no mistake, she will make a massive impact this season on the NWSL.” Clearly, Riley is impressed and we should be seeing Pruitt sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, defender Hailey Harbison will help shore up a backline that will be missing two key pieces during the World Cup after a college career at Pepperdine University. Riley commented about her skill sat saying that she’s, “Smart, positionally sound and a fabulous attacking skill set makes her a perfect fit for our system and style.” That attacking ability was fully displayed in college where Harbison notched three goals and seven assists in 80 games.

Finally, the team signed midfielder and 14th pick in the draft Lauren Milliet. The Colorado College graduate will fit into the midfield where coach Riley noted, “Lauren typifies our midfield: clever, articulate, vision, skill and a desire to play both sides of the ball.” The draft pick signings will round out the roster, for now, as the team prepares to defend their 2018 NWSL Championship on Saturday against the Red Stars.