When Racing Louisville FC picked Savannah DeMelo fourth in the 2022 NWSL Draft, the selection got a little lost in the shuffle.
Racing selected two-time college player of the year Jaelin Howell second and the day prior had traded for National Women’s Soccer League legend Jess McDonald.
Since her name was called, however, DeMelo has earned herself a consistent role in the squad, playing multiple roles in the midfield. After making her professional debut on March 25 against the Houston Dash, the Bellflower, California, native has appeared for Racing in the following six matches, including three starts.
“She is doing great,” Racing coach Kim Björkegren said on Saturday. “I think the first two months here she was a little afraid to go 100 percent. I gave her the chance to go in Kansas City and she took it. Since then, we have seen a new player.”
DeMelo was in the starting lineup for Racing’s NWSL regular-season opener at Chicago as one of three Racing newcomers to make their pro-regular-season debuts.
“I was really excited, really honored to be able to start for the team,” DeMelo said. “It’s a great team, and I want to help in any game I can.”
Prior to Racing Louisville, DeMelo had a decorated college career at USC, which included an All-American selection in 2018 and a number of United States Youth National Team call-ups. In 2019, the midfielder missed the entire season with an Achilles injury but bounced back for her senior and fifth years with the Trojans.
When the NWSL Draft came around, her pick came quickly after Howell, DeMelo’s long-time friend who attracted most of the fanfare.
Through preseason and the Challenge Cup, DeMelo worked for minutes, which gradually increased throughout the tournament. An attacking midfielder in college, she transitioned to a deeper, more defensive midfield role, playing alongside Howell.
“When I watched her the first time, in college videos, I was thinking of her in the (central attacking midfield) role or something like that,” Björkegren said following the April 16 Challenge Cup performance against the Red Stars. “I think the new role helps her a little bit with the lower position. She has a little more time with the ball. She’s good turning with it.”
In the most recent match against Chicago, DeMelo started on the wing. Playing the full 90 minutes, she recorded two shots, including a curling free-kick that rattled off the post from 25 yards out. Defensively, she led the squad in both duels (15) and tackles won (4).
“Being outside more gives me the opportunity to come in the middle when I want to, which confuses the defense,” DeMelo said. “I want to take what I already know from my game and learn what they want me to do and others.”
