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Philadelphia - Former Nebraska soccer standout Jordan Jackson was selected by the Houston Dash with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft on Friday at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Philadelphia.
"I'm so happy and blessed to be playing with the Houston Dash," commented Jackson. "I can't wait to get training started and meet all the girls!"
Jackson, who was taken with the first pick of the fourth round, will be reunited with her Husker All-American teammate Ari Romero as a member of the newly-formed Houston club. Romero was selected in the expansion draft one week ago by the Dash.
Jackson, who graduated in December 2013, completed her stellar NU career by earning 2013 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year honors with 30 points on nine goals and a conference-best 12 assists, which also ranked 11th nationally. In 2013, the NSCAA Scholar All-American right-winger became the eighth NU player to reach the 100-point plateau and concludes her Husker career ranking in the Top 10 in four offensive categories.
"It's important to thank everyone that has contributed to this accomplishment, including the Nebraska coaching staff and especially Coach John Walker," noted Jackson. "He helped me develop so much as a player and this would not be an option without him."
Nebraska soccer has a proven track record of success in player development as Jackson and Romero increase NU's total to 17 professional women’s soccer players since the WUSA began in 2000.
"It's always been my dream to play professionally," stated Romero. "I would not have gotten to this level without the training, discipline and preparation Nebraska has given me. I am blessed."
"I wouldn't be the player I am without all my teammates and the support they have given me throughout my time at Nebraska," said Jackson.
The second-year NWSL is a nine-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The nine clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, the Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash.