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 the new Hokies have been announced.
Aino Vuorinen, a 5-foot-4 midfielder from Espoo, Finland, is the Hokies' eighth newcomer to be announced during the 2020-21 signing period. A versatile winger, Vuorinen is one of the top youth national team members coming from Finland. She plans to major in Industrial Engineering.
A 15-year member of FC Honka, Vuorinen brings a wealth of experience with her to Blacksburg. She was the Finnish champion in her youth league in 2018 while also leading the league in goals scored. Led by Vuorinen, FC Honka finished second in the Finnish women's top league in 2019. A regular on the youth national team scene, Vuorinen has played for the Finnish U17, U18, U19 and U23 teams. Vuorinen has started and played full minutes in nearly every youth national team game for Finland. She has totaled 17 goals in 24 games, outside of international friendlies. In addition to captaining the U19 team, Vuorinen helped Finland qualify for the U17 European Championships and World Cup in 2018. She received her first U23 call-up as an 18-year-old.
"We are thrilled to add Aino to our program, she brings international experience with versatility in her play," Tech head coach Chugger Adair pointed out. "Aino can play up front or in the midfield. She will add to our attacking style of soccer and help create scoring chances for both herself and teammates. We can't wait for her arrival on campus this fall!"
GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT – Aino
Name: Aino Vuorinen
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-4
Hometown: Espoo, Finland
High School: Haukilahti
Other Schools considered: West Virginia, South Carolina, Embry-Riddle
Why did you choose Tech? I had really good conversations with the coaches, and they made me feel welcome since the first call we had. They were interested in getting to know me as a person and made sure I always had answers to whatever questions I had on my mind. The soccer program felt like the perfect fit for me and of course, one big reason was the great academics Tech has to offer. It was also important for me to choose a school from a place which has four seasons, since I am from Finland where I have learned to live with all of them.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to visit Virginia Tech because of the pandemic, but I enjoyed all the virtual tours.
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? I like the professional environment Tech has to offer. Great facilities provide a functional everyday life. It is also exciting that the players always must give their best, because the team plays in one of the best conferences in the country.
What are your soccer strengths? I think my soccer strengths are my good soccer IQ and that I am quite good at finding the perfect breakthrough passes. I could also say that I am a great team player; I always give my all in games to help my team succeed and I never give up.
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? To be honest, I don´t really have a favorite player. But I do enjoy Neymar's style of play because of how he kind of "dances" with the ball. He seems like he's having so much fun on the field with his teammates.
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? Overall, attending the U17 World Cup in Uruguay was an experience I will never forget. One exact memorable moment was when I scored in the game against Uruguay. There were thousands of people watching the game in the stadium and more through the television. Most importantly, my parents had traveled to the other side of the world just to watch me play. Hugging my parents after the game and seeing how proud they were felt amazing.
What do you think you will major in (why)? I think I will major in Industrial Engineering. Both of my parents are engineers, so I think it runs in the family, or maybe I have just been brainwashed at home. I also like how even though I am traveling across the world, the numbers stay the same, because they are universal.
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? One of my favorite things to do during the summer is sailing. I've done it all my life with my family in the beautiful archipelago of Finland.
Previous GET TO KNOWS
Maddy Baucom
Emma Pelkowski
Allie Lewis
Sophie Maltese
Avery Tharrington
Lauren Hargrove
Lauren Gogal