Cook Drafted 18th Overall by Chicago Red Stars
12/18/2021 7:43:00 PM | Women's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. -Â Former Michigan State forward Ava Cook was drafted in the second round of the National Women's Soccer League Saturday, taken as the 18th overall pick by the Chicago Red Stars out of Chicago, Illinois.
Cook was the first player from the Big Ten Conference to be selected in the NWSL draft. The Red Stars selected Cook with their first pick of the draft and the first of back-to-back picks for the club.
Â
"I am so thrilled for Ava and the Red Stars," Head Coach Jeff Hosler said. "It is so great that her personal commitment to growth and expanding her game over the years has led to this opportunity. Her mentality will provide for a lengthy pro career."
Hailing from Battle Creek, Michigan, Cook played her first four years of collegiate soccer with Grand Valley State University under then-head coach Jeff Hosler. She was a member of the Lakers' 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021 GLIAC championship title teams and won a national championship with the team in 2019. She was a unanimous All-American pick in 2018 and 2019 and ranks third in Grand Valley State history in goals scored with 76.
During her time at Michigan State, Cook led the team in the regular season in goals (7), assists (3), points (17), and game-winning goals (3). She ranked second in the Big Ten in shot attempts with 70, good for an average of 4.38 per game and putting her at fourth in school history in single-season shot attempts. With 27 shots on goal and 1.69 on-target shots per game, she ranked fourth in the conference.
Cook was named second-team All-Big Ten and received United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
The Spartans previously saw Laura Heyboer drafted in 2012 to Sky Blue FC as the 19th overall pick. Heyboer was a three-time All-American and four-time All-Big Ten selection, ending her Spartan career as the all-time leader in points, goals, assists, and game-winning goals.
Cook was one of eight Big Ten players drafted in the four-round 2021 draft.
Â
Cook was the first player from the Big Ten Conference to be selected in the NWSL draft. The Red Stars selected Cook with their first pick of the draft and the first of back-to-back picks for the club.
Â
Our (first) pick is IN!
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) December 18, 2021
We have selected F Ava Cook from @MSU_Athletics with the 18th overall selection in the 2022 NWSL Draft! pic.twitter.com/uWWn5YQ3vd
"I am so thrilled for Ava and the Red Stars," Head Coach Jeff Hosler said. "It is so great that her personal commitment to growth and expanding her game over the years has led to this opportunity. Her mentality will provide for a lengthy pro career."
Hailing from Battle Creek, Michigan, Cook played her first four years of collegiate soccer with Grand Valley State University under then-head coach Jeff Hosler. She was a member of the Lakers' 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021 GLIAC championship title teams and won a national championship with the team in 2019. She was a unanimous All-American pick in 2018 and 2019 and ranks third in Grand Valley State history in goals scored with 76.
During her time at Michigan State, Cook led the team in the regular season in goals (7), assists (3), points (17), and game-winning goals (3). She ranked second in the Big Ten in shot attempts with 70, good for an average of 4.38 per game and putting her at fourth in school history in single-season shot attempts. With 27 shots on goal and 1.69 on-target shots per game, she ranked fourth in the conference.
Cook was named second-team All-Big Ten and received United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
The Spartans previously saw Laura Heyboer drafted in 2012 to Sky Blue FC as the 19th overall pick. Heyboer was a three-time All-American and four-time All-Big Ten selection, ending her Spartan career as the all-time leader in points, goals, assists, and game-winning goals.
Cook was one of eight Big Ten players drafted in the four-round 2021 draft.
Â
Jeff Hosler | Women's Soccer Press Conference | Sep. 29 2025
Monday, September 29
Jeff Hosler | Women's Soccer Press Conference | Sep. 15 2025
Monday, September 15
Jeff Hosler | Women's Soccer Press Conference | Sep. 01 2025
Monday, September 01
Jeff Hosler | Women's Soccer Press Conference | Aug. 25 2025
Monday, August 25