In a forward-heavy first round of the 2020 NWSL College Draft, the Utah Royals stuck with royalty, selecting forward Tziarra King with the eighth pick. King is the first NC State player to be drafted into the NWSL. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Tziarra, Kate [Del Fava] and Cyera [Hintzen], to the Utah Royals FC family,” said Utah Royals FC General Manager Stephanie Lee in a club statement. “With this draft we were hopeful to select talent that can make an impact immediately, and also down the road we believe these players check that box. We are eager to see what they bring to the pitch both this year and in years to come.”

A proven goalscorer and creator, King capped off her brilliant career with 13 goals and six assists in her senior season. Across her career with the Wolfpack King scored 48 goals and set up a further 19 for her teammates. Along with 27 other conference, regional and national awards throughout her career, King was named an All-ACC player four times, two of which were to the first team.

King will be joining a Utah team that struggled offensively last season, scoring just 25 goals in the 24-game regular season. While Utah struggled to get things going offensively last season, it does not lack in offensive talent. Headlined by USWNT star Christen Press, King will have veterans to learn from, while still having a good chance at playing significant minutes and making an immediate impact. 

King was one of three NC State players to register for the draft, but midfielders Ricci Walking and Paige Griffiths both went undrafted.