CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars announced today the club has acquired the rights to Casey Short, along with a third-round pick in the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft in exchange for the No. 11 overall pick in the 2014 NWSL College Draft.

The draft choice from Boston was Seattle Reign FC’s third-round selection in the 2015 draft, which the Breakers acquired from the Reign in a previous trade.

Short, a 23-year-old defender, was selected by the Boston Breakers as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2013 draft, but a knee injury (ACL) during an Under-23 U.S. Women’s National Team match kept her out of the inaugural NWSL season.

“We are in a bit of a holding pattern with our roster as we await details of our 2014 allocation,” said Red Stars coach Rory Dames. “But Casey’s versatility and athleticism is a much needed addition to our current group of players.”

“Along with holding the No. 2 and 3 overall picks in the 2014 college draft, we are excited with the core of young players we are going to have.”

Chicago will be a homecoming for Short, who is a Naperville, Ill. native. She graduated from Naperville Central High School in 2008 as a standout soccer and track star. She was selected as a PARADE and NSCAA Youth All-American in soccer, and also was a state champion in the 400-meter dash and 800-meter run.

She competed collegiately at Florida State where she led the Seminoles to Top 10 national rankings each year. In joining the Red Stars, she will be reunited with her college roommate, goalkeeper Taylor Vancil.