GREENSBORO, N.C. – Recognized for her contributions as one of the top playmakers in the ACC, Virginia Tech senior midfielder Emily Gray has been named to the 2021 All-ACC Second Team, as announced during Thursday's presentation of the league's postseason awards.
A core piece to the Hokies' attack this season, Gray enjoyed the best statistical campaign of her collegiate career, scoring 11 goals to pace the squad while co-leading the team with her seven assists. The Tech veteran trumped all ACC midfielders with 29 points – currently the sixth best single-season tally across program history – ranking among the top 25 NCAA Division I outfield players nationally.
Gray took immediate ownership of the Hokies' scoring unit, compiling six goals and two assists within Tech's first five matches of the season. On Sept. 2 at James Madison, she staged the program's first hat trick in more than a decade, single-handedly powering the Hokies to their 3-2 victory.
In the midst of Tech's six-match, midseason unbeaten streak, Gray came to life on Oct. 2 at Pittsburgh, recording her third of four multi-goal performances throughout the fall. For her convincing play, she was recognized as the ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 5) in addition to being named to the College Soccer News Women's National Team of the Week (Oct. 4).
Among Gray's notable 2021 accolades, she tallied her 75th career point during Tech's Oct. 28 victory at Syracuse, moving her into a tie for the second most points earned across program history.
Together with forwards Nicole Kozlova and Tori Powell, Gray was a part of Tech's triple attacking threat that led the Hokies to 11 victories and 17 ACC points – the program's most since the 2015 season. The trio accounted for 25 of the team's 38 goals, helping Tech sport a top-30 RPI and jump to as high as No. 17 in the United Soccer Coaches top 25 rankings.
Gray and the Hokies will await their postseason fate on Monday, Nov. 8, when the NCAA tournament selection show is broadcast at 4:30 p.m. via ncaa.com.