WASHINGTON – Georgetown University senior midfielder Francesca Whitehurst (Baltimore, Md. / Roland Park Country School) was selected 17th overall in the Women's Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL) Spring Draft on Thursday evening.  She was picked up by WPLL Fire coached by Georgetown Head Coach Ricky Fried.
 
"Francesca Whitehurst is one of the most competitive people I know," said Fried. "She combines athleticism with athletic IQ, a rare combination! She is tailor-made for the pro game and I believe the level of talent will bring out the best in her."
 
Whitehurst, GU's 2019 team MVP, is currently leading the Hoyas in scoring with 30 goals and a team-high 25 assists for 55 points.  She is also first in draw controls with 53.  The senior has been named BIG EAST Midfielder of the Week three times this season and earned three nods to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll.  She is among the top 20 in career points and goals and sits at third all-time in assists in program history.
 
If Whitehurst chooses to play this summer, she will join a few familiar faces on WPLL Fire along with Fried.  Former Hoya Kelyn Freedman is a midfielder for WPLL Fire, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Gussie Johns plays goalie for the squad.  Assistant Coach Danielle Etrasco will play for WPLL Pride.
 
The 2019 WPLL Spring Draft consisted of five rounds and gave each of the five WPLL teams to select five new players to join their team for the WPLL season, bringing each team's final roster to 25 players. The 11 midfielders, eight attackers, five defenders, and one goalie selected have the opportunity to play in the competitive women's lacrosse league.