PHILADELPHIA – It was a great night for Notre Dame women’s soccer at the 2023 NWSL Draft as a pair of Irish were taken in the top-20. Graduate Olivia Wingate was selected No. 6 overall by the North Carolina Courage. Then graduate defender/midfielder Brianna Martinez was picked 17th overall (2nd round, pick 5) by Racing Louisville FC. It marked the second time since the league formed in 2012 in which the Irish had two drafted – previous was 2016 with Cari Roccaro and Katie Naughton.
✌️Irish taken in the top-20 of the @NWSL Draft.
Congrats again to @brimartinez_6 and @olivia_wingate! #GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/KX50MOSAWV
— ND Women's Soccer (@NDSoccer) January 13, 2023
“We are so proud of Liv and Bri and excited to watch them begin their pro careers. It will fun to watch them join the rest of the ND alums playing professional soccer,” Doug & Lisa Jones Family Head Coach Nate Norman said. “Our goal is to provide an environment where our players can continue their soccer careers long after college and it’s great to see that happen.”
Wingate had a career year up top pouring in 14 goals including three game-winners. She also notched five assists to record a career-best 33 points on the season. She achieved her first career hat trick this past year and ultimately earned four multi-goal performances – her most memorable one being the dominant 4-0 win over No. 3 Florida State at home.
Wingate’s speed and finesse up top led to her being named an All-American (Third Team – United Soccer Coaches) for the first time. She also was named an All-ACC First Team honoree.
Next, there’s Martinez who started in 88 games over her Irish career. The New Mexico native primarily played at the right-wing midfielder position but also spent plenty of time at wing-back as well, thus bringing versatility to Racing Louisville.
A two-time team captain, Martinez also brings plenty of USA youth team experience to the table. She has participated in the following: U23 Women’s Youth National Team for the 2022 Thorns Preseason Tournament; 2020 US U-20 WNT Selection for the CONCACAF Championship; 2018-19 US U-19 WNT Selection for the Nike Friendlies and La Manga Tournament.
Wingate and Martinez were crucial pieces to what was one of Notre Dame’s most successful seasons in a decade. The Fighting Irish finished 17-3-3 overall and 6-1-3 against top-25 teams. Notre Dame earned a No. 1 national seed for the first time since 2008 and made their 16th all-time appearance in the Elite Eight round.
— ND —