LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Racing Louisville FC used its first pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft to address a position group that saw a lot of change this offseason.

The club selected UCLA forward Reilyn Turner with the sixth overall pick in Friday night's draft. She joins a team that recently re-signed young forwards in Kirsten Davis and Parker Goins, but also said goodbye to decorated veterans like Thembi Kgatlana, Jess McDonald and Nadia Nadim.

Turner made history as a Bruin. She is the reigning Pac-12 Forward of the Year, becoming the first UCLA player to receive the honor. The California native led the Bruins with 10 goals last season, while also ranking second with six assists.

For her career, Turner ranks fifth all-time for UCLA with 42 goals, 16 game-winning goals and 7 multi-goal games. She scored double-digit goals in each of her four seasons, averaging 10.5 per year.

Second round: Racing drafts Ohio State's Emma Sears (pick No. 28)

Louisville did not stop adding to its forward ranks after selecting Turner. Racing came right back in the second round to take Ohio State forward Emma Sears at No. 28 overall.

Sears left her mark on the Buckeyes as a three-time All-Big Ten honoree. She scored 25 career goals as a Buckeye, which ranks 12th in program history.

The forward native was a program fixture, appearing in 83 matches over five seasons. Sears scored three goals and tallied four assists over 14 matches in 2023 after initially deciding to sit out her fifth year to prepare for the NWSL draft.

Fourth round: Racing drafts Iowa's Sam Cary (pick No. 48)

After trading the club's third-round pick to the San Diego Wave for $40,000 in allocation money and the 54th overall pick, Racing Louisville FC used its fourth-round selection on a familiar face: Iowa defender Sam Cary.

Cary spent time with Racing's former USL W-League team, playing 886 minutes over 11 matches in 2022. As a Hawkeye, she finished her collegiate career as an All-Big Ten honoree.

The Missouri native was a consistent defender for Iowa, starting 96 of her 97 career games. She became one of four players in program history to earn United Soccer Coaches First Team All-North Region recognition.

Fourth round: Racing drafts Texas Tech's Maddie White (pick No. 54)

Louisville's final pick added some depth to its group of goalkeepers after recently trading Hillary Beall to San Diego. Racing took Texas Tech goalkeeper Maddie White with the 54th overall pick, a selection it received from San Diego.

White left Texas Tech as its most decorated goalkeeper. She is the program's all-time leader in shutouts (39), goalkeeper wins (52) and also ranks second all-time in career goals-against-average (0.76).

In 2023, the Texas native became the first goalie in program history to earn First Team All-American honors. She also won Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year.

Racing trades to bring Arin Wright home

Louisville was busy before the draft as well, adding to its back line. Racing sent the No. 15 overall pick and $125,000 in allocation money to the Chicago Red Stars for Kentucky native and former University of Kentucky standout Arin Wright. The Nicholasville native spent eight years in Chicago, where she was a two-time NWSL Best XI selection and a 2016 Defender of the Year finalist.

"Having the opportunity to come home to the beautiful Bluegrass State and give back to the community that developed me and encouraged me to chase my dreams of being a professional athlete is something that all athletes dream of," Wright said. "I am grateful for all Kentucky has given me in my youth, and now it’s my turn to return the favor. It might not be UK blue, but red and blue make purple … right? I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Racing Louisville and be a part of building a dynasty here in my old Kentucky home."

Wright will also provide veteran experience for a Racing team full of young stars looking to make a first-ever playoff appearance. She went to the postseason seven times with Chicago.

"We are incredibly excited for Arin to join Racing," Racing coach Bev Yanez said. "She brings a wealth of NWSL experience and is a competitor in every aspect. She’s a huge addition to our squad, and we can’t wait to welcome her home to Kentucky!"

"This was a deal we really wanted to get over the line because it brings Arin and her family home," Racing general manager Ryan Dell said. "Adding someone with her resume and talent is so important for us. She brings leadership, experience and versatility to our locker room, and I can’t wait to see her suit up on our squad."