On January 17, senior defender and co-captain Emily Menges was drafted 25th overall by the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League draft. Menges had the option of forgoing the last few months of her senior year in order to better her chances at making the roster. However, Menges decided to stay in school.

“A lot of girls either graduate early or put it off until next year,” Menges said in an interview with The Hoya on Jan. 31 (“Menges Takes Game to Next Level in Pros,” B10). “I didn’t want to be one to put it off, and Georgetown doesn’t offer online classes, which is what some of the girls do.”

It was a decision that paid off as Menges secured one of the three open roster spots. On April 12, she made her professional debut in Portland’s 1-0 win over Houston, and in the Portland’s young season, Menges has started and played the entirety of the team’s six games. Now, on Saturday, Menges will receive a psychology degree.

Menges’ professional debut follows a storied four-year collegiate career at Georgetown, which culminated in a senior season where she received All-American honors and was named Big East Defender of the Year.

In her senior campaign, Menges led the Hoyas to a 16-3-2 record and a 7-1-1 mark in the Big East, and the team reached the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling to Virginia 1-0. Although the Hoyas managed only one win in the tournament, the team achieved its highest end-of-the-year ranking in program history. The team’s unprecedented success was in large part because of its strong defense, which averaged less than one goal allowed per game and recorded 10 shutouts.

The team’s impressive defensive numbers resulted from Menges’ strength and consistency. The senior defender was a mainstay on the back line and was one of only five Georgetown players to appear in every game. Her play, presence and leadership impressed Head Coach Dave Nolan.

“Emily has been an impact defender for us from day one. Exceptionally quick with a great reading of the game. … I believe she is one of the top defenders in the country and has become our leader and captain,” Nolan said in a statement on guhoyas.com.

The Georgetown coaches were not the only ones to recognize Menges’ talent. She earned all-Big East rookie honors in her freshman campaign. As a sophomore she earned Big East academic all-star honors and was selected all-Big East first team after her junior season. But this was just the beginning for Menges.

After her senior season, Menges was showered with awards. In addition to the All-American honors and being named Big East Defender of the Year, she was also named one of the 15 semifinalists for the Hermann Award, which is given each year to the best male and female collegiate soccer player in the country.

After four impressive years on the Hilltop, Menges caught the eye of the United States National Team. She trained with the U-23 national team in December in Florida along with junior midfielder Daphne Corboz. Menges had never played in the national team system, but earned the call-up with her play for the Hoyas.

Just a few weeks later, the defender was welcomed into yet another new squad. The Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League selected Menges with the seventh pick in the third round. The Thorns, which are associated with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer, are one of the most successful teams in the young NWSL. The team won the league title last season, drew crowds as large as 17,000 and features national team stars such as defender Rachel Van Hollebeke and forward Alex Morgan.

Armed with a degree, incredible talent and a promising professional career, Menges certainly has a bright future ahead of her.