PHILADELPHIA -- Two members of the Penn State women’s soccer program were selected during the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft Thursday inside the CC Grand Ballroom at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Nittany Lions have had at least one selection in every NWSL College Draft.
Frannie Crouse was taken at No. 10 by the North Carolina Courage and Brittany Basinger was selected at No. 31 by the Washington Spirit.
“It is exciting to know that week-in and week-out we can turn on Lifetime and see the top talent in the country and the world compete and to see our Penn Staters thriving at the highest level,” head coach Erica Dambachsaid. “We’ve had a player drafted in every NWSL class since its inception and it is outstanding for our program.”
Crouse, a forward, tallied 91 points on 37 goals and 17 assists as a Penn Stater. During her time as a Nittany Lion, she played in 92 matches, which included 83 starts. Crouse closed out her Nittany Lion career 12th in points (91), 10th in goals (37), 10th in game-winning goals (13), tied for 25th in assists (17), 10th in shots (231), and sixth in shots on goal (111).
“I would like to thank the Courage for drafting me and giving me this opportunity to continue my soccer career,” Crouse said. “I would also like to thank my family, friends and coaches who have supported me through my journey. I am extremely humbled and excited to start my professional career in North Carolina.”
A member of the 2015 NCAA Women’s College Cup All-Tournament Team, Crouse scored at least 10 goals in three of her four seasons donning the Blue & White. During Penn State’s run to the national title in 2015, she tallied 29 points on 11 goals and seven assists.
“Frannie’s combination of speed and skill will certainly propel her in the next level,” Dambach said. “We’re proud of her and excited to see her play with the 2016 NWSL Champions.”
Crouse’s honors include: MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List (2017), NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region Second Team (2016), All-Big Ten First Team (2016), All-Big Ten Second Team (2014), All-Big Ten Freshman Team (2014), Big Ten All-Tournament Team (2015), Offensive Player of the Big Ten Tournament (2015), and she is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2015-17).
“Brittany’s selection by Washington is a testament to her hard work and dedication,” Dambach said. “Obviously for her getting the chance to play close to home in front of her friends and family is a dream come true.”
Basinger, a two-time team captain for the Nittany Lions, played in 95 career matches, which included 88 starts. A mainstay on the Penn State backline, she closed out her career ninth all-time in minutes played with 7,038.
“I’m so excited and honored to play for my hometown. It has been my childhood dream to play for the Washington Spirit,” Basinger said. “Penn State has prepared me for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started!”
This past season, Basinger and the Nittany Lion defense recorded 13 shutouts in 24 matches. During Penn State’s NCAA title run in 2015, Basinger and the Penn State defense posted 15 shutouts, which included eight-straight to end the year.
A 2013 All-Big Ten Freshman Team member, Basinger netted 19 career points on five goals and nine assists. Basinger was also named a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2014-17).
With her selection by the Washington Spirit, Basinger joins Nittany Lion alumnae Whitney Church and Joanna Lohman on the Spirit roster.