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 includes a brief "Get to Know" Q&A, until all of the incoming freshmen are announced.
The next player to be introduced from the 2020 class is Taylor Bryan, a 5-foot-5 forward from Brooklyn, New York. She currently attends Xaverian High School and is considering majoring in civil engineering when she arrives at Tech.
Bryan earned three varsity letters under coach Erin Meagher at Xaverian and scored 37 goals and added 50 assists there. During her high school career, she twice helped the Clippers to the Brooklyn/Queens Championship and the state title matches (2017 and 2019), while they also made the city title match in 2017 as well.
Club experience for Bryan includes action with both the Dream Team and the Fury FC DA. Playing as a forward on the Dream Team under coach Craig Canavan (2014-16), the team won the National Futsal Championship in 2014-15. She was also a midfielder for the Fury under coach Nick Flaim.
"Taylor is a little bit unique in her athletic ability, in her ability to attack," Tech head coach Chugger Adair said. "She's a pacey, athletic forward who can test the backline and be dangerous going forward, open up holes and gaps in play for teammates and be a game-changer up front.
"That is something we've probably missed, somebody testing the backline, the last couple of years. I think Taylor Bryan can really fill those shoes and really give us another attacking dynamic frontrunner that can help unlock defenses."
GET TO KNOW - Taylor
Name: Taylor Bryan
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-5
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
High School: Xaverian High School
Other Schools considered: None
Why did you choose Tech? I knew the soccer program could better my skills and athletic abilities and take me further in my career. VT also has an outstanding academic reputation and I wanted to make sure I would have the opportunity to further my academic career and prepare for my future outside of athletics.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? Seeing how united all the people are when specific events bring the Hokie alumni and new Hokies together.
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? The environment is very positive and helps players progress for better results. I also liked the speed of play and how the coaches focus on the little things to perfect technique and tactical awareness.
What are your soccer strengths? My strengths are making dynamic runs between the backline, communicating with my teammates, my speed, and being able to hold the ball and turn.
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? My favorite player is Neymar. I like his style of play. He's very crafty and picks and chooses his moments making sure every moment puts the ball in the back of the net.
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? My most memorable soccer moment was when I was playing for FC Fury against NYSCFC. We lost to that team earlier in the season and that day was a day to make a comeback. We were down 1-0, and in the last minute of the game, our team built up from the back where I received a through ball about 35 yards out on the wing and scored from distance.
What do you think you will major in? I think I will major in civil engineering, because I like to solve problems when it comes to the community and how to make getting from place to place easier.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? I can dance to any type of music, and I'm always the hype up man before games and during them as well.
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