Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – As it has been done now for several years, the Virginia Tech women's soccer program introduces its signing class in a different way. Rather than announcing all of them and their accomplishments in one release, Tech highlights each new signee individually with her own release and a "Get to Know" Q&A. This method will continue for the 2021 signing class in our "Welcome Wednesday" features until all of our new Hokies have been announced.
🎥⚽️🔥⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zMRqqcujMi
— Virginia Tech Women's Soccer (@HokiesWSoccer) December 16, 2020
The fourth 2021 newcomer to be announced is Sophie Maltese, a 5-foot-7 forward from Ashburn, Virginia. Maltese currently attends Briar Woods High School, and she anticipates majoring in business at Tech.
Maltese was a member of Loudoun Soccer ECNL (2011-19), then played for McLean Soccer ECNL (2019-20). One of the top goal scorers in the ECNL, Maltese finished fifth overall in goals scored for the 2019-20 season, while propelling McLean to a No. 2 national ranking by TopDrawer Soccer in October 2020.
A three-year letterwinner at Briar Woods, Maltese and the Falcons won the 2018 VHSL Class 5 state championship. In 2019, Maltese garnered second-team all-state honors, in addition to being named second-team All-Met and to the first team in Region 5C and Conference 14.
"Sophie is a big, strong forward who can be dangerous," Tech head coach Chugger Adair said. "She's good back to goal, holds the ball well and brings other people into the game and can turn games with her ability to score goals and create goals. So, we're excited for her to come in and see how she will fit in with the other forwards we have and our frontline in general."
GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT – Sophie
Name: Sophie Maltese
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-7
Hometown: Ashburn, Va.
High School: Briar Woods
Why did you choose Tech? I chose Virginia Tech because the coaching staff made me feel like a part of the Hokie family from a very young age. The school's great academic reputation, the competitive drive the players bring to the field each day, and the atmosphere of Tech's campus also influenced my decision.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? My favorite part of my visit was walking around the football field during their pre-game warm up at Lane Stadium. I also really enjoyed getting to know some of the players that I'll be fortunate enough to be with in the coming years.
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? I love the way Virginia Tech's players make a statement each time they step on the field. Win or lose, it is clear that each player always goes the extra mile for their teammates.
What are your soccer strengths? My soccer strengths include putting the opposing team's defense under pressure, keeping possession for my team, shooting to score, and being able to hold the ball and turn.
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? My favorite pro player is Zlatan Ibrahimović who currently plays for AC Milan. Ibrahimović is a very strong, confident, and dynamic forward who can score very impressive goals.
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? My most memorable soccer moment was winning the Virginia high school state soccer championship with my older sister Abby. I was a freshman in high school when she was a senior, and that year we got to play together was super special. I can still vividly remember having the assist to her goal during the state championship and celebrating afterwards.
What do you think you will major in (why)? I think I will major in Business because I like working with people and solving problems. I think the business field will provide exciting opportunities in the future.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? One thing I'd want our fans to know about me is that I love EDM music.
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