Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech women’s soccer program is unveiling its 2018 signing class in a new way. Rather than releasing them all in one story, the Hokies will announce a new signee each week in a “Get to Know” format until all of the incoming freshman have been announced.
The next player to be featured is Emily Gray, a 5-foot-4 forward from Sewell, New Jersey. She currently attends Washington Township High School and will enter the school undecided in a major, but looks to pursue a career in sports from a business or communications standpoint. For the Minutemaids, she played for William Alvaro as a midfielder and earned three letters, scoring 34 goals and adding 43 assists, and was a two-time first team all-conference. As a junior, Gray was named South Jersey Midfielder of the Year, an all-state player and an All East Region All-American.
Gray did not play her senior year of high school as she was with the USA’s U-19 Women’s National Team as the Americans played in the CFA International Women’s Youth Football Tournament in Dunyun, China last September. The US won all three games there to win the event with Gray making a start in the 5-0 win over China. Gray has also been invited to several youth national training camps and is currently participating in the USA U-18 WNT camp in Lakewood Ranch, Florida that runs through Feb. 17.
Gray has played on the Penn Fusion Soccer Academy Club team under Craig Scangarella for four seasons earning an NSCAA/United Soccer Coaches All East-Region honor.
“Emily is a very technical, very passionate soccer player who can play many positions in the midfield or upfront,” Tech head women’s soccer coach Charles “Chugger” Adair said. “She is a well-balanced player who is good with both feet. We can see her playing multiple positions for us and we’re excited about her joining our program and getting her on campus. She has been in and out of the national program, so she’s got experience at the international level and we’re looking forward to her putting on the jersey and being a part of Virginia Tech.”
GET TO KNOW - Emily
Name: Emily Gray
Position: Midfield
Height: 5-foot-4
Hometown: Sewell, N.J.
High School: Washington Township
Other Schools considered: Penn State, Syracuse, Villanova, La Salle
Why did you choose Tech? I chose Tech because of the positive culture and the home-like vibe I get every time I am there. To be a part of Hokie Nation was something I was eager to take advantage of.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? My favorite thing about my visit was walking through the athletic facilities and the stadiums. Of course, Lane Stadium and Thompson Field are amazing, but walking through the athletic facilities and seeing the history and traditions of excellence really opened my eyes to the fact that I wanted to be a part of that.
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? I like the coaching staff, the competitiveness within the team, and its tradition of competing within the ACC and the rest of the nation.
What are your soccer strengths? My ability on the ball, my passing, movement and vision of the field.
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? Kevin DeBruyne (Belgian national team member and plays for Manchester City) because of his ability to be a complete player on both sides of the ball. He has the vision, the movement, and a deadly ability to create goal-scoring opportunities. Manchester is blue!
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? My most memorable soccer moment was earning my first international appearance for the U19 WNT in China against Iran this past September, and ultimately winning the tournament for our country.
What do you think you will major in? I’m enrolling into University Studies, but I hope to pursue a career in sports whether it be business or communications.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? I am an avid Chipotle eater!
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