Former Lacrosse Standouts Boltja, Morissette Selected in WPLL Draft
August 24, 2017 | Women's Lacrosse
Nikki Boltja was drafted by Philadelphia Fire, while Kaylin Morissette was drafted by Baltimore Brave.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Former University of Louisville lacrosse standouts Nikki Boltja and Kaylin Morissette have been selected in the first ever Women's Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL) Draft, which took place on Wednesday night.
Boltja was drafted by the Philadelphia Fire, while Morissette was drafted by the Baltimore Brave.
The five-team league is set to launch the summer of 2018, with an exhibition weekend coming the fall of 2017.
"The WPLL is a two-part operation: it is both a professional lacrosse league and a development program for rising talent in our sport," said WPLL founder Michele DeJuliis. "Though our obvious focus is lacrosse development, our practicum – for both professional players and rising talent – prioritizes character development as means to excelling in life on and off the field."
Boltja was named first team All-American following her senior season in 2014. She finished the year with 71 goals, which ranks second in school history, and 29 assists, which ranks fourth all-time.
At the conclusion of her career, she ranked second in program history with 193 goals, 2.80 goals per game, 235 points and 3.41 points per game.
Following her senior season in 2016, Morissette was named a first team All-American for the second straight year. She finished her career with the Cardinals as the first player in program history to become a three-time All-American. She wrapped up her senior campaign as the all-time draw controls leader with 572 and ranked second in the nation in draw controls with 8.56 per game.
The first team all-ACC selection led the Cardinals with 56 points, 37 goals, 19 assists and 36 ground balls as a senior.
Boltja and Morissette helped lead the Cardinals to a 16-4 overall record in 2014, along with a 7-0 record in Big East play. The duo guided the Cardinals to a Big East regular season and conference title, along with a win over No. 10 Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament.
For the latest information on Louisville lacrosse, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's Twitter account at @LouisvilleLax or on Facebook at facebook.com/UofLLacrosse.
Â
Boltja was drafted by the Philadelphia Fire, while Morissette was drafted by the Baltimore Brave.
The five-team league is set to launch the summer of 2018, with an exhibition weekend coming the fall of 2017.
"The WPLL is a two-part operation: it is both a professional lacrosse league and a development program for rising talent in our sport," said WPLL founder Michele DeJuliis. "Though our obvious focus is lacrosse development, our practicum – for both professional players and rising talent – prioritizes character development as means to excelling in life on and off the field."
Boltja was named first team All-American following her senior season in 2014. She finished the year with 71 goals, which ranks second in school history, and 29 assists, which ranks fourth all-time.
At the conclusion of her career, she ranked second in program history with 193 goals, 2.80 goals per game, 235 points and 3.41 points per game.
Following her senior season in 2016, Morissette was named a first team All-American for the second straight year. She finished her career with the Cardinals as the first player in program history to become a three-time All-American. She wrapped up her senior campaign as the all-time draw controls leader with 572 and ranked second in the nation in draw controls with 8.56 per game.
The first team all-ACC selection led the Cardinals with 56 points, 37 goals, 19 assists and 36 ground balls as a senior.
Boltja and Morissette helped lead the Cardinals to a 16-4 overall record in 2014, along with a 7-0 record in Big East play. The duo guided the Cardinals to a Big East regular season and conference title, along with a win over No. 10 Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament.
For the latest information on Louisville lacrosse, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's Twitter account at @LouisvilleLax or on Facebook at facebook.com/UofLLacrosse.
Â
Players Mentioned
M
/ Women's LacrosseLAX: Post game press conference vs. Kent State
Wednesday, February 18
LAX: Highlights vs. Kent State
Wednesday, February 18
LAX Postgame vs North Carolina
Friday, May 16
Cards All In: The Story of Reese Whiteman
Friday, May 16
