Jan. 15, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former University of Maryland women's soccer player Mary Casey became the first-ever Terrapin to be selected in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) Draft when the Los Angeles Sol picked her Friday afternoon.

"Our coaching staff has said it all along - Mary just needs an opportunity," said Maryland head coach Brian Pensky. "That's all she had here, and she did pretty well for herself. And we are confident that she will do the same at the next level. Congrats to her - she deserves this!"

Casey, who was selected in the fourth round with the 36th overall pick, closed out her stellar career as a Terp by helping lead Maryland to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and a 14-6-2 overall record. As a senior in 2009, Casey anchored a Terrapin defense that posted nine shutouts and held opponents to less than one goal per game. A 2008 first team All-ACC selection, Casey finished her career with a school-record 1.03 career goals against average. She also ranks fourth all-time with 13 career shutouts and is seventh on the school's all-time list with 136 saves.

The Sol won the inaugural WPS regular season championship, but lost to Sky Blue FC in the 2009 WPS Championship game.