North Carolina State University Athletics
Vera, O'Rourke Accept Invite to WPS Combine
11/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
SAN FRANCISCO Lindsay Vera and Jessica O’Rourke, former teammates at NC State, have accepted invitations to the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Combine.
The invitation-only combines will be held Dec. 11-14 (San Diego, CA) and Dec. 18-21 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL). Invites were made through a careful selection process done by the WPS Coaches Committee.
Vera recently finished her senior season with the Wolfpack and was named All-ACC for a third-straight season in 2008.
The Houston, Texas, native led the team in scoring for the second straight year and third time in her career with 24 points on nine goals and six assists, which all ranked among the top-10 in the league.
Vera stands among the all-time great players in program history with 27 goals and 67 career points. She started all 20 games for the Pack and converted three game-winning goals in 2008.
She also was the top scoring threat last summer for the W-League’s Carolina Railhawks by scoring 11 points (4g, 3a) in 14 games.
Meanwhile, O’Rourke was a four-year letterwinner for the Pack from 2004-07, scoring 10 goals and 10 assists in 70 career matches. Statistically her junior season was her best with a team-leading 19 points on eight goals and three helpers.
She also played in the W-League last summer for FC Indiana. She was a key figure in the midfield that led the club to the league’s title game. The native of Marlton, N.J., scored her team’s only goal of the match in a 2-1 setback.
Combine participants include graduating college seniors who will have completed their eligibility following the conclusion of the 2008 season and other national and international talent from top level amateur leagues such as the W-League and WPSL.
“The WPS Combines will be a tremendous platform for players to showcase their best in front of team officials and coaching staffs,” said Mary Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Women’s Professional Soccer. “It is important that there are ample opportunities for teams to evaluate talent as they look to put together the strongest possible team on the field for the inaugural WPS season.”
During the combines, players will undergo general training and physical testing and will be assigned to specific teams with the opportunity to play in three games over the course of three days. Players’ rights will be drafted by teams at the 2009 WPS Draft on January 16 in St. Louis at the NSCAA Convention. Beginning in February, teams will also hold local try-outs in their respective markets.
Participating in the WPS East or West Coast Combine is not mandatory for a player to be eligible for the 2009 WPS Draft or a future roster spot on a WPS team.
A maximum of 144 players will participate in the WPS Combines; no more than 72 at each location.
The invitation-only combines will be held Dec. 11-14 (San Diego, CA) and Dec. 18-21 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL). Invites were made through a careful selection process done by the WPS Coaches Committee.
Vera recently finished her senior season with the Wolfpack and was named All-ACC for a third-straight season in 2008.
The Houston, Texas, native led the team in scoring for the second straight year and third time in her career with 24 points on nine goals and six assists, which all ranked among the top-10 in the league.
Vera stands among the all-time great players in program history with 27 goals and 67 career points. She started all 20 games for the Pack and converted three game-winning goals in 2008.
She also was the top scoring threat last summer for the W-League’s Carolina Railhawks by scoring 11 points (4g, 3a) in 14 games.
Meanwhile, O’Rourke was a four-year letterwinner for the Pack from 2004-07, scoring 10 goals and 10 assists in 70 career matches. Statistically her junior season was her best with a team-leading 19 points on eight goals and three helpers.
She also played in the W-League last summer for FC Indiana. She was a key figure in the midfield that led the club to the league’s title game. The native of Marlton, N.J., scored her team’s only goal of the match in a 2-1 setback.
Combine participants include graduating college seniors who will have completed their eligibility following the conclusion of the 2008 season and other national and international talent from top level amateur leagues such as the W-League and WPSL.
“The WPS Combines will be a tremendous platform for players to showcase their best in front of team officials and coaching staffs,” said Mary Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Women’s Professional Soccer. “It is important that there are ample opportunities for teams to evaluate talent as they look to put together the strongest possible team on the field for the inaugural WPS season.”
During the combines, players will undergo general training and physical testing and will be assigned to specific teams with the opportunity to play in three games over the course of three days. Players’ rights will be drafted by teams at the 2009 WPS Draft on January 16 in St. Louis at the NSCAA Convention. Beginning in February, teams will also hold local try-outs in their respective markets.
Participating in the WPS East or West Coast Combine is not mandatory for a player to be eligible for the 2009 WPS Draft or a future roster spot on a WPS team.
A maximum of 144 players will participate in the WPS Combines; no more than 72 at each location.
Meet Head Women's Soccer Coach Gary Higgins
Friday, December 20
EmpowHER - NC State Women's Soccer's Book Club
Wednesday, February 07
EmpowHER: Women's Soccer
Tuesday, February 06
2023 NC State Women's Soccer Season Recap
Monday, December 11