Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – With National Signing Day for women’s soccer officially beginning on Wednesday, Virginia Tech women’s soccer head coach Charles “Chugger” Adair is excited to welcome his newest Hokies into the program.
“We’re definitely excited to have this group of young ladies be a part of our program,” Adair said. “Not only are they going to help us on the field, but overall their passion and personalities are really going to add to our program. There are a lot of attacking personalities which should help us and provide strength for our group as we become more offensive-minded through the midfield and up top – something we lacked a bit last year.
“So, having these players and their personalities, their passion for the game is really going to help our culture as well as our on-the-field product. It’s been a long process. It starts so early and many of these ladies have been verbally committed for a number of years and we are excited to get them on campus and join our Virginia Tech family and help our program get back to the NCAA tournament.”
The Hokies will release a new signee each week in a “Get to Know” format until all of the incoming freshman have been announced. The first Hokie to join the program was actually announced about two weeks ago as Kiersten Hening enrolled midyear (CLICK HERE for her release).
The next player the Hokies welcome is 5-foot-4 forward Nicole Kozlova from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She currently attends William Lyon Mackenzie C.I. and will look to pursue a degree in computer modelling data analysis at Tech. She most recently plays for David Porco as a right and left wide forward for the League 1 Woodbridge Strikers and was the team’s top scorer and fifth in the league (11 goals in 11 games) while playing only half the matches this past season. She was named a League 1 Ontario First Team All-Star.
Kozlova has extensive international experience as she’s been with Team Ontario for four seasons playing as an attacking midfielder under coaches Bryan Rosenfeld and Laura Arduini. Kozlova was selected to represent Ontario in the Canada Games in 2017, scored the game winner in the semifinals and earned a silver medal with the team. While playing for GS United, she was a two-time bronze medalist at the Canadian National Championships.
She's also been with the Ukrainian National Team for a pair of seasons. She scored her first international goal against Romania with the U-17 team when she played three games in Serbia during the UEFA qualifying games. Kozlova also played every minute for the U19 national team at the UEFA Elite Round and started three games in Kazakhstan for a UEFA Development Tournament, leading the team with four goals and five assists. She also played every minute of the games in Albania for the UEFA Qualifying Round, netting two goals.
“Nicole is an experience player and passionate. She’s a soccer junkie,” Adair said. “She has experience with both the Canadian National Team and the Ukrainian National Team for different age groups, so she’s been well-traveled around the world as far as playing different levels and playing different positions and in different environments. We’re looking forward to her being here at Virginia Tech and being able to do what she’s been able to do at the different levels – attacking player, a fun player to watch, good around goal – someone who is a quality player and person.”
GET TO KNOW - NICOLE
Name: Nicole Kozlova
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-4
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
High School: William Lyon Mackenzie C.I.
Other Schools considered: South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Memphis
Video highlights: click here
Why did you choose Tech? I chose Virginia Tech for many different reasons. The outstanding soccer program. Great coaches and a strong team. The amazing academics which had the perfect program for me to study - Computer Modelling Data Analysis. The beautiful campus and the top-notch athletic facilities. Every time I visited the campus it felt more like home each time.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? Experiencing my first Virginia Tech Women’s Soccer game in person, and watching my first ever college football game.
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? I like the possession-orientated playing style and the top-level coaches. They also play in a very strong conference which I believe is important to help me grow as a player.
What are your soccer strengths? My ability to create dangerous chances and make an impact on the game. Beating players 1vs1. My speed with the ball and without. My ability to use both feet and my vision and awareness on the field. I am also a very resilient player, and nothing can stop me from playing.
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? Lionel Messi who currently plays for Barcelona. His ability to make a huge impact on the game with either a magnificent goal or an assist. Also, the way he sees the field and the passes he makes that no one else can.
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? I had an honor to represent Team Ontario at the Canada Games 2017 and had a chance to play against the best of the best from the Canadian provinces and territories. The game set up is similar to the Olympics, a huge opening ceremony, hundreds of people watching, athletes from different sports representing their provinces, eating breakfast with Canadian Prime Minister. We had a challenging group, but we won all the games. I also got to go through this whole experience with some of my closest friends. I am especially proud of scoring the winning goal in the semifinals, and winning a silver medal.
What do you think you will major in? Computer Modelling Data Analysis.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? I enjoy playing board games and I like to win!