RENO, Nev. — It was nearly a year ago that a young soccer star from the University of New Mexico found himself looking for a team after going undrafted in the MLS SuperDraft.

It was one of the hardest days for Chris Wehan as a player and person.

He sat angry at everyone else, feeling sorry for himself and wondering what was next.  

That is when Wehan, who was named the USL’s Rookie of the Year on Tuesday, received a call from upstart Reno 1868 FC that would change his life.

“(Reno head coach) Ian Russell called me and said ‘I am giving you an opportunity to come up to Reno,” Wehan said of the call he received from Russell shortly after going undrafted. “He said if you work hard and put in work, hopefully doors would open up down the road.”  

After missing out on his first chance at a pro contract, Wehan refused to set his dreams of becoming a pro soccer player aside. 

But even after arriving in Reno, Wehan still had to earn a contract.

“I wasn’t even training with the guys who were already signed,” Wehan said. “It was tough.

“I wasn’t given everything, I had to earn it. But that feeling of not getting drafted pushed me to become a better player. And I was anxious to learn all I could from the guys on the team who had played professionally for years.”

Wehan eventually earned a contract in February and week-by-week, grew as a player and person. His role increased as he was inserted in the Starting XI and became the club’s set-piece specialist.

His first goal as a pro would come against Phoenix Rising FC on May 6 during Reno’s first win in club history.

“I felt like it started clicking for both myself and the team after that 4-0 win in Phoenix,” Wehan said. “It probably wasn’t about midway through the season that guys had confidence in me and I had confidence in myself.

“But eventually, I became a player the guys could trust and that meant a lot as a rookie.”

Wehan’s unselfishness was on display each week as he set up teammates match after match. He finished the season leading the USL with 12 assists (tying a league record) and helping Reno set a new record for most goals in a single season (75).

“His ability to find teammates in the right spot at times made him one of the most dangerous players in the league,” head coach Ian Russell said. “He’s so unselfish and his passion for the game really showed each time he stepped on the pitch.”

Wehan himself finished with eight goals to his name, including Reno’s only goal from a direct free kick, a match-winner against rival Sacramento.

All of this success throughout the year was a result of a player that refused to give up and accept the fact that he wasn’t drafted.

Today, Chris Wehan is one of the top young talents in U.S. Soccer because of his resiliency and dedication.

“Once I earned my contract in Reno, I found myself fortunate to be here,” Wehan said. “I didn’t take a second of this season for granted.

“Just remembering where I started the year to now looking back on an amazing season. I’ll always cherish this season.”