Texas Longhorns, USYNT forward Trinity Byars becomes first college player to sign after NWSL eliminated draft

Byars made history this week, becoming the first college athlete to sign directly for an NWSL team - less than six months after the professional women's soccer league eliminated the college draft.

The Texas forward, who scored 52 goals for the Longhorns, signed a three-year deal with the San Diego Wave, with an option for a fourth year, the club announced.

Byars is among the more highly-rated forwards in the NCAA. She scored 17 game-winning goals, bagged five hat-tricks, and was named Big 12 forward of the year in 2023. She has represented the USYNT throughout her career, appearing from the U14 through the U23 level.

Before that, she trained with Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at the youth level.

Camille Ashton, the Wave's sporting director, expressed her excitement at Byars' arrival: "We are thrilled to welcome Trinity to the San Diego Wave. Trinity has proven to be one of the most dynamic and exciting forwards at the collegiate level. Her ability to play between the lines and threaten in behind is special and we believe she will be an incredible addition to our team."

The forward will be eligible to join the Wave in January after the NWSL roster freeze ends. Byars sustained a torn ACL on Sept. 1, and will resume her rehab with the NWSL side.