Stanford's Andi Sullivan top NWSL draft pick

Washington Spirit selects midfielder in first round of National Women's Soccer League draft

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Washington Spirit selected Stanford midfielder Andi Sullivan with the first overall pick in the 2026 National Women's Soccer League draft on Thursday. Draft day featured several high-profile prospects entering the professional ranks.

Why it matters

The NWSL draft is a key event for the league, allowing teams to acquire top college talent to bolster their rosters. Sullivan's selection as the No. 1 pick highlights her status as one of the most promising young players in the women's game.

The details

The Washington Spirit, who finished near the bottom of the NWSL standings in 2025, used the first overall pick to select Sullivan, a highly-touted midfielder out of Stanford University. Sullivan was a standout player for the Cardinal, earning numerous accolades including Pac-12 Midfielder of the Year and a spot on the United States women's national team.

  • The 2026 NWSL draft took place on Thursday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Andi Sullivan

A midfielder who played college soccer at Stanford University and was selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NWSL draft by the Washington Spirit.

Washington Spirit

A professional women's soccer team that plays in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and selected Andi Sullivan with the first overall pick in the 2026 NWSL draft.

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What they’re saying

“Andi Sullivan is an exceptional talent and we're thrilled to have her join our club. She has the potential to be a transformative player for the Spirit.”

— Mark Krikorian, General Manager, Washington Spirit (Washington Post)

What’s next

The Washington Spirit will look to build around Andi Sullivan as they aim to improve on their 2025 season performance and compete for an NWSL championship in 2026.

The takeaway

The selection of Andi Sullivan with the first overall pick in the 2026 NWSL draft underscores the continued growth and talent depth of women's professional soccer in the United States.