Laurie Black Selected in WUSA Draft

February 5, 2001
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Vanderbilt senior defender Laurie Black was selected in the fourth round of the Women's United Soccer Association's Supplemental Draft by the Atlanta Beat. She joins former Commodore standout Asta Helgadottir, who was selected by the Carolina Courage in the league's inaugural draft in December.

"We're pleased with our choices," said Atlanta Beat Head Coach Tom Stone. "In the first round, we got an outstanding goalkeeper. In our other three picks, we opted for a nice combination of speed, technical ability, and toughness."

Black was named First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-Central Region for her efforts this past season. The native of Bethel, Conn., was the leader of a Vanderbilt defense that finished the 2000 season second in the SEC in points allowed (70) and goals allowed (25). That same defense also posted seven shutouts in its 12 victories.

Black, a Human and Organizational Development major, wrapped up the regular season by being named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the third straight season.

The WUSA's Supplemental Draft took place from the sixth annual Umbro Select All-Star Classic. A total of 45 undrafted college seniors were split into three teams and played games from Thursday through Saturday in front of WUSA team coaches and scouts. Each team was able to choose from the participating seniors, as well as the undrafted participants from the WUSA Combine in December.

The eight-team league will begin its inaugural season April 14 with the Atlanta Beat beginning its season April 21.

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