Breakers select four, Longmeadow native picked in WPS Draft

January 14, 2011

For one day at least, we were allowed to forget the trials and tribulations WPS has gone through in its short existence. The league's third annual college draft was held on January 14th, and the local Boston Breakers made four selections while Massachusetts native Bianca D'Agostino was picked up by the Philadelphia Independence. Here's a little snippet on each New England-tied player selected in Friday's draft.

Keelin Winters, M, Portland – Selected in the first round (6th overall) by the Breakers. Played with the US U-23 National Team starting in 2009. Captained the U-20s to the 2008 Women's World Cup title. Recorded 6 goals and 10 assists in 83 games at Portland. Finished her career as 2010 WCC Player of the Year.

Whitney Palmer, F, Oklahoma – Selected in the second round (12th overall) by the Breakers. Had 38 goals and 7 assists in 80 games for the Sooners. Was a three-time All-Big 12 selection.

Bianca D'Agostino, M, Wake Forest – From Longmeadow, Mass. and The Loomis Chaffee School. Selected in the third round (18th overall) by Philadelphia. Played 68 games at Wake Forest and totaled 7 goals and 17 assists. Played at Penn St. as a freshman.

Katherine Sheeleigh, F, Harvard – Selected in the third round (19th overall) by the Breakers. Team captain, Ivy League Player of the Year, NSCAA All-America fourth team in 2010. Finished her career with 79 points and 31 goals.

Tanya Taylor, F, UC Irvine – Selected in the fourth round (24th overall) by the Breakers with the final pick of the draft. 2010 saw her earn recognition as Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year and NSCAA All-America third team honors while recording 34 points on 11 goals and 12 assists.