The Chicago Red Stars have signed midfielder Bea Franklin, the club’s second third-round draft pick in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft. The Seattle native joins the club on a one-year contract with a one-year club option.  

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I’m ready to work hard and do my best to make Chicago proud,” said Bea.  

“Bea is an outstanding athlete, and we look forward to seeing how she can contribute to the club on and off the pitch as well as how she can develop and adapt her game to thrive in the NWSL,” said Red Stars general manager, Richard Feuz. 

Franklin joins the Red Stars from the University of Arkansas, where the midfielder played for three seasons. Over those three seasons, Franklin played in 62 matches and started in 53 while scoring 15 goals with 12 assists. In Franklin’s second season at Arkansas, the midfielder was named to the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. Franklin ended her career with the Razorbacks as a United Soccer Coaches All-American, Top Drawer Soccer Best XI, SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, All-SEC First Team and SEC Midfielder of the Year.  

Prior to playing for Arkansas, Franklin played for the University of Notre Dame where the midfielder scored her lone goal for the Fighting Irish in a 3-2 double overtime win against Wake Forest. At Arkansas, Franklin was a dual sport athlete, playing basketball as a point guard and shooting guard with the Razorbacks.  

The Chicago Red Stars travel to Sandy, Utah to take on the Utah Royals March 16 for the start of the 2024 NWSL Season. The team then returns to Chicago to take on Seattle Reign FC in the club’s home opener March 23 at SeatGeek Stadium. Tickets are now available at chicagoredstars.com/tickets.