Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The 2018 Virginia Tech women’s soccer fall schedule will not be announced for some time, but the groundwork for that season started on campus today with a morning workout, a team meeting and time in the weight room. Experiencing this for the first time was mid-year enrollee Kiersten Hening, who started classes last week at Tech and started her training with the Hokies this morning.
Hening, a 5-foot-4 midfielder/defender from Midlothian, Virginia, attended James River High School and is now pursuing a degree in human nutrition, foods, and exercise at Tech. She played for Ian Stowe as a forward/midfielder and earned all-conference honors all three years she played for the Rapids. She was also a member of the Richmond Kickers club team for the past three seasons, playing for Rob Ukrop.
“I have been very eager to come to Blacksburg ever since I committed to Virginia Tech,” Hening said. “I grew up coming here and I consider this campus home. The opportunity to come early to get to know the girls, get in the swing of how the training schedule works, and learn the do’s and don'ts of being a student-athlete was something I took advantage of. I made the decision to graduate early out of pure excitement and desire for the next chapter in my life. I couldn’t be more excited to finally be a part of Hokie Nation.
“My first week of college has been full of new experiences. Moving in with a suite of people I didn’t know, adjusting to classes mid-semester, and navigating my way around campus has been a challenge in itself. Although it’s been tough, the girls on the team have been so welcoming and have made me feel like I am a part of the program. I attended a basketball game in Cassell prior to my enrollment here, but being able to experience my first game as a student was very fulfilling. There is a very special feeling that comes with being able to call yourself a Hokie.”
Widely known from a college football perspective (mid-year enrolling), Hening becomes just the third player since Adair has been with the program (since 2006) to forego the spring semester of her high school career and join the Tech women’s soccer program.
“Kiersten is going to a well utilized player, who can play many different positions,” Tech women’s soccer head coach Charles Adair said. “We’ve seen her play outside back, center back in the midfield – she’s got a lot of upside and versatility to her game that we’ve seen in her over the last few years in the recruiting process. I think she’s going to add to our strength and could potentially find a home on the back line for us.
“Also, I think it’s wonderful because she’s able to show that she’s committed and ready for that next step. She’s eager and willing to do what it takes to make an impact and a productive contributor to our program. It’s also been all on her own initiative and we’re excited to have her as part of the group.”
The rest of the Hokies signing day class will be announced in mid-February, however below is a brief Get-To-Know feature on the newest Tech addition.
Name: Kiersten Hening
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Height: 5-foot-4
Hometown: Midlothian, Virginia
High School: James River High School
Other Schools considered: Tennessee, James Madison, VCU, George Washington
Why did you choose Tech? My mom and dad (Sonja and Sterling) went to Virginia Tech so I basically grew up in Blacksburg. I fell in love with it at a very young age and I have always dreamed of playing soccer at Virginia Tech.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? Being able to go down on the Lane Stadium turf during football pregame warmups and experience the entire atmosphere.
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? The emphasis on family and community. Everyone is so passionate about their roles in the program and everyone is so supportive of one another.
What are your soccer strengths? Speed, quickness on the ball, passing accuracy, vision of the field.
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? My favorite pro player is Christian Pulisic (Men’s USA national player, also plays for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga). Christian is so insanely quick on the ball as well as with all his decision making. He is crafty on and off the ball and often leaves defenders in the dust with his ball control and speed.
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? My most memorable soccer moment would be scoring the game-winning goal against our rival high school team, Midlothian, with 30 seconds to spare. There is an atmosphere created during high school soccer rivalry games that is incomparable to any other experience.
What do you think you will major in? I am majoring in Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? Halloween is my favorite holiday.