Philadephia ? Former Kansas University soccer player Estelle Johnson signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Independence of the Women’s Professional Soccer league on Friday.

Johnson is one of 18 players on the Independence’s opening day roster, and will be the first Jayhawk to play in the WPS.

“When you’re growing up, you always have dreams of becoming a professional athlete,” Johnson said. “I don’t think it’s really hit me yet, but I’m excited.”

The Los Angeles Sol drafted Johnson with the 23rd pick in the WPS Draft on Jan. 15. Shortly after drafting Johnson, however, the Sol announced it would fold due to a lack of funds.

That put Johnson back in a draft pool when the league decided to hold a dispersal draft for the players on the Sol’s roster. She was the second player selected by Philadelphia in the draft.

Johnson and Philadelphia will open the season April 11 at home against the Atlanta Beat.