HERRIMAN, Utah (March 21, 2024) - Utah Royals FC announced today that 2024 NWSL Draft Pick Olivia Griffitts has signed with the Club through the 2024 season with an option for 2025.
The 20th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft will play her soccer a little bit further north this year after previously taking the field in Provo, Utah for Brigham Young University. She was part of a big night for the Cougars, who saw five players drafted into the league in January. Griffitts was an important piece for BYU as they made a Final Four run, ultimately losing to Stanford in the semi-final of the College Cup.
“When we drafted Olivia, we knew we were getting a selfless and industrious player,” said Sporting Director Kelly Cousins. “She has shown professionalism and positivity in the face of adversity after her preseason was interrupted by injury. Now that she has returned to the pitch, we have seen enough to know that she will be an important part of the squad this year, and hopefully will continue to develop here at the club.”
The speedy outside back played in 82 matches for the Provo-based side, starting 79 of them. Formerly a forward, Griffitts modified her game in college and turned provider, notching 19 assists across three years, but still managed to score four goals from a deeper position on the pitch. After spending the majority of preseason sidelined, Griffitts will look to quickly move up the pecking order of Head Coach Amy Rodriguez’s squad to earn her NWSL debut.
Utah Royals return home on March 22 when they will face North Carolina Courage at 7:30 p.m. MT. Tickets are available at https://www.rsl.com/utahroyals/tickets/.
