Peach Tree Times

Kayla Bruster, a graduate of the University of Georgia, was recently selected by San Diego Wave FC as the 40th overall pick for the 2022 NWSL Draft during a virtual ceremony, according to a press release on the team's official website.

Bruster is only the second athlete from Georgia to be selected for the NWSL College Draft; the first was goalkeeper Ashley Baker, who was selected by Sky Blue FC as the 20th overall pick in 2013.

"Bruster was a critical member of the Georgia backline for five seasons in Athens, earning All-SEC honors in 2019 (First Team) and 2020 (Second Team)," the press release said. "The Atlanta native was also selected for the 2021 United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Third Team."

Bruster has played and started in 79 games for the Bulldogs throughout her college career, accruing a total of 7,033 career minutes for the team.

She ranked third on the squad with 1,686 minutes played this season, assisting the Bulldogs in allowing just 26 goals and 83 corner kicks.

Bruster also contributed offensively with a career-high of three shots and recording her first two assists against College of Charleston.

On Sept. 26, she contributed to Mollie Belisle's game-winning overtime goal against No. 5 LSU with her second assist of the season.

Bruster was also one of five players selected by San Diego, one of two expansion teams that will join the league this season.

Additionally, she was chosen to the 2019 First Team All-SEC, the 2020 Second Team All-SEC, and the 2020-21 United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Third Team.

She is also a two-time SEC Preseason Watch List selection (2020, 2021), and a three-time SEC Honor Roll selection.

In her most recent season, Burster started all 19 games and recorded assists against Campbell and LSU.