Franklin Signs with Chicago Red Stars

CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars have signed former Arkansas midfielder Bea Franklin, the club’s second third-round draft pick in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft. She joins the club on a one-year contract with a one-year club option.

Franklin was the third Hog drafted by Chicago, joining Kayla McKeon (2021) and Ashleigh Ellenwood (2016). She will join former Razorback Taylor Malham in Chicago, who was acquired by the Red Stars in 2023.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I’m ready to work hard and do my best to make Chicago proud,” Frankin said in a press release.

“Bea is an outstanding athlete, and we look forward to seeing how she can contribute to the club on and off the pitch as well as how she can develop and adapt her game to thrive in the NWSL,” Red Stars General Manager Richard Feuz said.

The Seattle native joins the Red Stars from the University of Arkansas, where the midfielder played for three seasons. Over those three seasons, Franklin played in 62 matches and started in 53 while scoring 15 goals with 12 assists. In Franklin’s second season at Arkansas, the midfielder was named to the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. Franklin ended her career with the Razorbacks as a United Soccer Coaches All-American, Top Drawer Soccer Best XI, SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, All-SEC First Team, SEC Midfielder of the Year and a two-time SEC champion.

Franklin and the Red Stars travel to Sandy, Utah to take on the Utah Royals on March 16 for the start of the 2024 NWSL Season. The team then returns to Chicago to take on Seattle Reign FC in the club’s home opener on March 23 at SeatGeek Stadium.

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