SALT LAKE CITY — Maybe draft day should have been the first indicator that Kate Del Fava was in for some good surprises as a rookie with Utah Royals FC, the foremost of which has been her prominent role during the National Women’s Soccer League’s Challenge Cup.
On Jan. 16, Del Fava casually tuned into the draft, not expecting anything early on, as the mock drafts she had seen had her either going late (fourth round) or not at all. Shoot, the Illinois State product was more focused on going to graduate school after double majoring in pre-veterinarian medicine and animal sciences than continuing her playing career, but she had entered her name in the draft just in case.
It was pretty shocking then, that with the fourth pick of the second round (12th overall), URFC picked the Kenosha, Wisconsin, native.
Del Fava doesn’t really remember much about the immediate whirlwind that invariably comes with getting drafted, and things have certainly continued to be rather wild, including the fact that she has played in three of URFC’s four games to date, starting at outside back in two of them.
“I feel like it’s been a really surreal experience,” she said. “Not what I expected, but I’ve been really grateful to work my way into that role and then play in the back line with some great players.”
To be sure, Del Fava said that while no one was expecting the coronavirus pandemic that suspended the NWSL for more than three months, it’s the contributions she’s made so early that she didn’t anticipate.
“Just being a rookie, you never really know what your place is going to be on the team,” she said. “I didn’t know where I fit in, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity that’s been presented.”
A versatile player at Illinois State, Del Fava did want to make it known to the URFC coaching staff, which hadn’t been hired when she got drafted, that she could play a number of places on the field, and despite primarily being a midfielder in college, she has thus far found a home as a defender.
“It’s been a transition, but I feel like it’s been really easy with the leadership I have around me and the people encouraging me and my teammates and coaches just helping me fill my new role and fill the position,” she said. “It’s been a fun experience so far.”
As luck for Del Fava would have it, the leader of URFC’s back line, veteran center back Rachel Corsie, also started her career as a midfielder before moving back, and is eager to help her new teammate with the adjustment.
Corsie said she personally likes playing with Del Fava because of the confidence the rookie has with the ball, and she feels the youngster’s competitiveness and athleticism will help her improve as time goes on.
“These are the things that are a minimum for playing in the league,” Corsie said. “You don’t really get any concessions in this league. There’s no easy way in. You’re playing there because you’re good enough and you have the potential to keep growing.
“I think having those physical attributes has enabled her to step in and compete in the games so far, and then I think the more you play at this level, the more you can grow into allowing your technique and your ability to shine, and I think that’s something Kate has on her side.”
Added URFC head coach Craig Harrington: “I love so much about Kate. I think she can play anywhere on the field. I think she’s got a bright future ahead of her in this league. She’s come in as a rookie and exceeded expectations definitely, but I think her performances speak for themselves.”
Harrington went on to add that some players merely appear in games, while others make an impact, and he feels Del Fava has been in the latter group thus far.
“She’s definitely a player that’s contributed to the games when she’s had the chance to get minutes for our group,” he said.
After coming on as a sub in URFC’s Challenge Cup opener against the Houston Dash and playing 27 minutes, Del Fava got the starting nod in games against Sky Blue FC and OL Reign, a decision from Harrington that Del Fava said brought excitement but also the recognition that she had work to do.
“Obviously I was excited, but I knew that it was a big opportunity and a big role, and I needed to focus in, lock down and do my job, so that’s what I was focused on, just preparing up until then, and then just those 90 minutes, doing my job,” she said.
She added that she called her parents to tell them the news, “and then it was down to business after that just getting ready and hopefully doing my job.”
While Del Fava said her main goal at the start of team training was just to work hard and be a good teammate, Corsie said, “Kate’s being modest. Craig had Kate in a position to be on the team. She did well from the start. She’s being modest. ... I’ll be honest. Rookies don’t often get too many opportunities, so it’s a credit to Kate.”
Reflecting on the idea that she nearly went the grad school route, Del Fava summed up, “I’m really glad that track went off a different way and now I’m here.”