Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech women's soccer program is unveiling its 2020 signing class in a different way. Rather than announcing all of them and their accomplishments in one release, the Hokies will highlight each new signee individually, which will include a brief "Get to Know" Q&A, until all of the incoming freshmen have been announced.
The second 2020 addition to be introduced is Alia Skinner, a 5-foot-9 goalkeeper from Fleming Island, Florida. She currently attends Fleming Island High School and is contemplating on majoring in business when she gets to Tech.
Skinner's most recent soccer experience before coming to Blacksburg is her three years with the United Soccer Alliance DA playing for coaches Luis Torres and Wale Leyimu. During the 2018-19 season, her club team was ranked No. 1 the nation for most of the year, while she only allowed four goals against in the regular season and posted 14 shutouts in 18 matches.
She helped the team reach the final four at the DA nationals last season, was named the Top Drawer Soccer/THINX Club Player of the Week on May 29, 2019, and was a 2017 and 2018 US Coaches Youth Girls All-South Region selection.
Skinner also has vast US National Team experience, attending numerous national camps at the U14, U16 and U18 levels, so far playing for five seasons under coaches April Kater, Kacey White and Mark Carr. She was on the U16 national team that took home the Torneo Delle Nazioni championship held in Italy in Slovenia in April 2018.
"Alia is an experienced, quality goalkeeper who will be capable of making the big saves to keep us in games," Tech head coach Chugger Adair said. "Coming out of Jacksonville, much like Mandy (McGlynn), we will be looking for her to come in, compete and have an opportunity to compete for the starting spot.
"Those will be some very big shoes to fill, which we're losing with Mandy's departure, but Alia has the potential to be a very good goalkeeper for us at Virginia Tech and will be a tremendous addition to our group."
GET TO KNOW - Alia
Name: Alia Skinner
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-foot-9
Hometown: Fleming Island, Florida
High School: Fleming Island High School
Other Schools considered: University of Virginia, University of North Carolina and Syracuse University
Why did you choose Tech? I chose Tech because of the family environment it had when I went on my visits. They were all part of one big family, even the coaches. I also wanted to play in the ACC.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? Being able to meet and spend time with my future teammates and experience what it is like to be part of the VTWS team.
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? I like that they are in the ACC and are always competing to be the best, while also creating a family environment.
What are your soccer strengths? My strengths are my shot-stopping ability, my communication, and my distribution to help my team get forward.
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? Hope Solo (US National Team goalkeeper, 2000-16) has always been my favorite player because of her abilities on the field. She hasn't played in a couple years, but still no other woman keeper has risen to her level.
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? When my club team had the opportunity to play the France U20 Women's National Team in a friendly international game.
What do you think you will major in? Business, because there are many job opportunities available with a business degree.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? I love to wakeboard.
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Tori Powell