Dec. 11, 2000

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Three former Maryland women's soccer stars were selected in the first-ever WUSA (Women's United Soccer Association) draft which concluded on Monday, Dec. 11. Former Terp standouts midfielder Michelle Demko (1993-95), defender Emily Janss (1996-99), and forward Keri Sarver (1995-98) were drafted in the inaugural event.

Demko was selected in the eighth round (63rd overall) by the Philadelphia Charge. She was a three-year performer for the Terps, she tallied 23 points in her career on eight goals and seven assists. She was a first team All-Mid-Atlantic region selection and first team All-ACC pick as a senior in 1995. Demko has played for the Maryland Pride and Tampa Bay Extreme of the W-League and with Bayern Munich in Germany.

Janss was taken by the New York Power in the 13th round (101st overall). She was a four-year starter for the Terps, leading the team to four consecutive NCAA appearances. She ranks among the top 10 all-time at Maryland in games played (2nd with 95), games started (tied for 1st with 95), goals (9th with 17) and points (9th with 42). She was a first team All-ACC selection in 1999 and second team pick in 1997 and 1998. She was also an All-Mid-Atlantic selection twice (second team in 1997 and third team in 1999). Janss played for the W-League's Maryland Pride in 2000.

Sarver was the second Terp taken in the 13th round (104th overall) by the Washington Freedom. She was Maryland's most prolific scorer in history. Sarver stands first on every offensive category with 61 goals, 33 assists, 155 points, 279 shots and game-winning goals with 17. She was a Soccer Buzz first team All-American in 1998 and an All-ACC selection in 1997 (second team) and 1998 (first team). She was also named the Maryland Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 1998 and 1999. Sarver also earned first team All-Mid-Atlantic in 1997 and 1998. Sarver tied for the Maryland Pride team scoring lead in 2000.

The WUSA will launch next April in eight markets: Atlanta Beat, Bay Area CyberRays, Carolina Tempest, Boston Breakers, New York Power, Philadelphia Charge, San Diego Spirit and Washington Freedom.