Clemson has historically been a top athletic program in college athletics, and the school’s success has led to many players moving to the next level. Here are some of the Clemson Tigers who are currently excelling in the National Women’s Soccer League:

Kailen Sheridan, Goalkeeper | San Diego Wave FC

Sheridan played for Clemson from 2013-2016, recording 229 saves and 28 shutouts to hold second place for the all-time record in the latter category for the Tigers. She was selected with the 23rd pick by Sky Blue FC in the 2017 NWSL Draft and has thus far been very successful in her professional career.

In Sheridan’s time with the San Diego Wave, she has been one of the league’s premier keepers, as she has started in 38 total games and has 117 saves with the team, in addition to 16 clean sheets. In the 2022 season, she won the Goalkeeper of the Year award for the NWSL.

Sheridan has also excelled in international play, as she has become the starting keeper for the Canadian national team. In 2021, Sheridan won an Olympic gold medal with the Canadian national team, starting in one game. She later became the starter for the Canadian team for the 2023 Women’s World Cup and started in three games, recording one shutout and eight saves.

San Diego Wave FC is currently No. 2 in the league and next plays Racing Louisville FC on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.

Sam Staab, Defender | Washington Spirit

Staab played for the Clemson Tigers from 2015-2018 before being drafted with the No. 4 overall pick by the Washington Spirit in the 2019 NWSL draft, which to this day remains the highest pick a Tiger has been drafted. In her time at Clemson, Staab scored five goals and recorded 33 assists for a career total of 48 points.

Since her selection, Staab has proven herself as an elite defender with 92 career starts in the NWSL between regular and postseason play.

In the 2023 season, Staab has played 21 games and has 21 blocks and 25 interceptions. On top of that, Staab has a 72.7% tackle success rate, a 49.4% duel success rate and a 61.3% success rate in aerial duels. She has also been successful when it comes to distributing, as she has a 100% success rate in passes, with 809 successful passes.

The Washington Spirit will be back in action when they play the North Carolina Courage on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.