Corby eligible for NWSL 2017 Draft

Former midfielder for the Grand Valley State women’s soccer team Marti Corby has entered her name in the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft. Corby is one of 184 players eligible for this year’s draft.

Corby, a two-time NSCAA Player of the Year, recently finished her career in a Laker uniform after the 2016 season. She led GVSU to its fourth consecutive NCAA National Championship, winning in three of the appearances. The Lakers were edged by Western Washington 3-2 in the 2016 championship game.

With her collegiate career finished, Corby’s name is scattered throughout the GVSU record books. She is the program’s assist leader with 61, 16 more than the next closest player. Her 24 assists in the 2016 season led the nation. She also added 61 goals during her career, solidifying herself as the third-highest point-scorer in program history with 183.

The NWSL draft will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m.

Former Laker gives back to the community

On his day off before preparing for the playoff game against Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 15, Dallas Cowboys cornerback and former Grand Valley State football defender Brandon Carr spent his day reading to preschoolers at a local school. Carr spent an hour with three to five-year-old children reading books at Lancaster-Kiest Head Start campus in Dallas, Texas.

Carr won the Cowboys’ Man of the Year award twice in his NFL career. The award is given to an athlete that works hard off the field volunteering in the community. Carr also heads the Carr Cares Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to “inspire young students to become proficient readers by providing learning tools and resources to help them reach their full potential.”

Judon finishes first season in NFL

Matt Judon, a former defensive star for the Grand Valley State football team, finished his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens. Judon played in 14 of the team’s 16 games, recording a tackle in all but two of the games.

Judon, a defensive lineman linebacker hybrid, saw an increase in playing time due to an injury to one of the Ravens’ top defenseman, Terrell Suggs. In just his fifth game, Judon recorded two sacks against the New York Jets. He finished the season with four total sacks and 27 total tackles.

Along with his sacks and tackles, Judon recovered a fumble. The Ravens finished the season with an 8-8 record, just missing the playoffs.