Taylor Heise was chosen first overall in the PWHL Draft by Minnesota. She becomes the first ever draft pick in franchise and league history.

It was a historic day for Taylor Heise and the PWHL's Minnesota franchise as general manager Natalie Darwitz and her staff chose the University of Minnesota captain first overall in the PWHL Draft.

"It's my home, everyone that I love is there, and it's the state of hockey," Heise said on air moments after her selection.

Heise, 23, was the back-to-back WCHA Offensive Player of the Year, and won the 2022 Patty Kazmaier Award as the NCAA's top player. She was also the 2022 World Championship MVP and won a gold medal with Team USA in 2023.

In 14 career games representing USA's senior national team, Heise already has 30 points. She also won three gold medals representing USA's U-18 national team.

Minnesota had stated before the draft they intended to use their first overall pick to select a foundational player who could be part of their present and future. Heise is one of the top players in the world, and as a player coming directly from NCAA hockey, she has a long future ahead in the PWHL.

Heise was born in Lake City, Minnesota and was named Ms. Hockey Minnesota after her career with Red Wing High.