Portland Thorns FC selected defender Reyna Reyes from the University of Alabama (No. 5 overall) and forward Izzy D’Aquila from Santa Clara University (No. 12 overall) in the first round of the 2023 NWSL Draft. In the second round, Thorns FC picked forward Lauren DeBeau out of Michigan State (No. 24 overall) before concluding their draft in the third round by selecting goalkeeper Lauren Kozal from Michigan State (No. 32 overall) on Thursday evening at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Thorns FC made two draft-night trades with the Houston Dash. First, Portland acquired the 32nd pick overall from the Dash in exchange for pick No. 36 and $20,000 in allocation money. Portland then traded the 48th pick overall to Houston in exchange for $10,000 in allocation money and the Dash’s natural third-round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft.
Reyna Reyes – No. 5 (1st round)
Position: Defender
Height: 5-7
Birthdate: Feb. 16, 2001
Hometown: Garland, Texas
College: Alabama
A four-year starter at the University of Alabama, Reyes played in 79 games (all starts), tallying 16 goals and five assists. A member of Mexico Women’s National Team, Reyes was a first team All-American selection as a senior and the 2022 SEC Defender of the Year. During her career, Reyes was a three-time first team All-SEC pick and a four-time All-Region honoree.
Izzy D’Aquila – No. 12 (1st round)
Position: Forward
Height: 5-7
Birthdate: Sept. 8, 2001
Hometown: Mission Viejo, Calif.
College: Santa Clara
A national champion in 2020, D’Aquila concluded her collegiate career with 50 goals and 16 assists in 78 games played for the Broncos. As a senior, D’Aquila finished with 19 goals – the second-most in the country. She wrapped up a decorated career with second team All-America honors, first team All-Region recognition and first team All-WCC honors for a third consecutive season.
Lauren DeBeau – No. 24 (2nd round)
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 5-4
Birthdate: April 20, 2001
Hometown: Shelby Township, Mich.
College: Michigan State
A second team All-America pick in her final season, LeBeau played her final two seasons at Michigan State after transferring from Central Michigan State. With the Spartans, LeBeau tallied 13 goals and six assists in 40 career matches. A unanimous All-Big Team first team selection, DeBeau was also the Big Ten Forward of the Year in 2022.
Lauren Kozal (No. 32 – 3rd round)
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-10
Birthdate: July 11, 2000
Hometown: Ada, Mich.
College: Michigan State
Kozal was the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year and an All-America pick in each of her final two seasons at Michigan State. She finished her career with a 0.78 save percentage, 227 saves and 1.10 goal-against average in 70 appearances. As a senior, Kozal registered 10 shutouts with a 0.68 goals-against average, posting a record of 17-3-3.
