“My first initial reaction to getting drafted was that I simply could not believe it was actually happening! The moment felt surreal. This has been my goal and dream since I was a little girl”

It was a moment Meg Brandt, senior midfielder at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, would never forget. Meg was the 34th overall pick, selected by Reign FC in Tacoma, Washington making her childhood dreams come true.

Meg grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, where her love of soccer began at the young age of five. She looked up to two older siblings who excelled in the sport:

“They taught me a good balance between hard work and always making sure to have fun. My dad coached my older sister’s team and he always brought me along to their practices to join in. I remember being pushed around and getting several bloody noses but that’s when I fell in love with the challenges behind the game.”

Meg’s soccer team, Ankeny Soccer Club, partnered with Rush Soccer, welcoming Meg into the Rush Family when she was twelve years old.  

“Throughout my time playing for Rush, I always played up a year until my senior year of high school. I loved my Rush team more than anything. I was surrounded by such hard working and talented girls who have become forever friends. I am so thankful for all my memories with the Rush teams I played on. Winning three state cup championships and making it to the semi-finals twice during Regionals are some of the few unforgettable moments I have of playing with my Rush team.”

Meg went on to play college soccer at Nebraska, earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors in 2016. The next year, she went on to make the Third-Team All-Big Ten. Her junior season was very successful, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team and getting selected for the U-23 Women’s National Team Training Camp in May. Meg also played for the U-23 Women’s National Team in the La Manga, Spain Tournament. 

Meg loved her time as a Husker:

“My favorite part about playing soccer for Nebraska is being surrounded by teammates and coaches who have such a strong desire to improve in the game. Everyone on my Nebraska team is extremely passionate about soccer and it makes it such a fun environment to be in. I have also loved being a part of a team who treats each other like family.”

Not only was Meg successful on the field, but she also earned many academic awards during her time at Nebraska. This included making the Academic All-Big Ten in 2017 and 2018, as well as making multiple appearances on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. 

As part of the NWSL draft pick this year, Meg will continue to pursue success in the beautiful game. 

“What I am looking forward to most in my future career is playing with some of the most talented female players in the U.S. I can’t wait to grow as a player as I learn more about the game than ever from these players and coaching staff.”

When asked what advice she would give to young athletes looking to follow in her footsteps, she responded:

“Start the hard work now. You never want to look back and think of all the things you could have been doing to get better as a player. Never be too satisfied with where you are at in your journey.”

Staff, players, coaches and fans at Rush Soccer congratulate Meg on her draft and are so excited to see where her career takes her! The Rush Family is cheering you on, Meg!