Katie Stengel (center) will play for the LA Blues in the USL W-League. (Photo Copyright Steve Bruno for The Equalizer)
Turns out, former Wake Forest stars Katie Stengel and Aubrey Bledsoe won’t go to Europe right away, after all.
The two players signed with the Los Angeles Blues of the USL W-League, the team announced on Wednesday. Both players were noticeably absent from the list of those declared for the 2014 NWSL College Draft, and it Stengel was reportedly exploring her options in Europe. That still looks to be in play, according to an LA Blues release on Wednesday, but Stengel and Bledsoe will first play in the semi-professional W-League for the 2014 season, which usually runs from approximately mid-May to late July.
Stengel was a three-time All-American with ACC side Wake Forest, registering 50 goals and 25 assists. Stengel missed the end of her senior season at Wake Forest after being diagnosed with blood clots.
“I could not be more excited to have Katie for an entire season,” LA Blues manager Charlie Naimo said. “She spent limited time with us down the stretch last year and made major contributions to the championship run. Many would agree that Katie is the absolute best forward coming out of college this year and the fact that she is playing with the Blues makes us all feel great that we have built a program worthy of her decision.”
Bledsoe was also an All-American three times in net for the Demon Deacons.
“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to play for the LA Blues this summer,” said Bledsoe. “I’m looking forward to playing with some of the best players in the country. I can’t wait to start working with the coaches and be a part of the team’s success. This will be the perfect environment to prepare me for playing overseas after the season.”
