Hokie ClubBuilding off its run to the second round of the 2021 NCAA tournament, the Virginia Tech women's soccer team is beyond proud to welcome each and every member of its 2022 signing class as part of the next generation in its program-long tradition of family. During the weeks to come, Tech will eagerly introduce its newest class of Hokies one by one as the program excitingly looks forward to its return to the pitch.
BLACKSBURG – Bella Pontieri is a five-foot-seven attacker who hails from Jacksonville, Florida, where she was a girls' soccer state champion at St. Johns Country Day School. With a wealth of academy experience in the Sunshine State, she will join the Virginia Tech women's soccer team heading into the spring 2022 semester as she begins her pre-law course of study.
"We are excited to add Bella to our group," said head coach Chugger Adair. "She is a creative, dynamic attacking personality who will fit in well with our team. She can play in the midfield, up front or out wide and has a lot of versatility.
"Bella is somebody who can help us score goals, add to our attacking group and add creative play to our offensive game. We are excited she is on campus and looking forward to her being here this spring so she can develop, learn and be a part of our family as we grow into the fall."
An honors graduate of St. Johns, Pontieri earned two varsity letters with the Spartans while competing as a forward and a midfielder under coach Mike Pickett. During the 2020-21 season, she and her sister, Sophia, helped lead St. Johns to the district title en route to winning the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A state championship – the program's 10th consecutive state trophy.
On the club scene, Pontieri was a four-year academy attacker at United Soccer Alliance Clay County Soccer Club (Fleming Island, Florida). There, she finished as a top-10 goal scorer on the U.S. Soccer Girls Development Academy (USSDA) circuit while claiming two consecutive 3-on-3 national championships.
Pontieri's academy background includes a two-year stint with the South Texas Olympic Development Program (ODP) and her team captaincy at IMG Academy. She also co-led Jacksonville FC to the 2021 United Women's Soccer League Two (UWS2) Sunshine Conference championship, earning two Player of the Match honors and selection to the 2021 UWS2 All-Sunshine Conference First Team.
What schools did you consider? "Tennessee, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia."
Why Virginia Tech? "I chose Tech because I felt like it was a great fit for me academically and athletically. I love the facilities and the resources that are provided for every aspect of being a student-athlete. I felt very comfortable with Coach Adair and Coach Kopp to guide me on my college soccer journey."
What was your favorite takeaway from your visit to Blacksburg? "My favorite thing about my visit was the overall supportive culture that surrounds this campus. The energy that everyone carries is contagious and creates such a good environment."
What do you like about the Tech women's soccer program? "Something that I like about the Tech women's soccer program is the chemistry that is held through the team. It is one big family and everyone works hard to compete on the field together."
What are your soccer strengths? "My soccer strengths are being very attacking minded and competitive, my technical abilities and my passion for the game."
Who is your favorite professional player? "My favorite professional player is Arjen Robben because his style of play is very unique and unpredictable. He is someone I base my game off – being a lefty and playing on the right side gives me inspiration to mimic his game."
What is your most memorable soccer moment? "My most memorable soccer moment was winning the state championship with St. John's last year. All of our hard work from the season paid off and we were all so proud of each other. I had the rare opportunity to share the field with my younger sister, something that was memorable for life."
What are you interested in studying at Virginia Tech? "I think I will major in law because I have always wanted to become a lawyer. I think I will enjoy the competitive environment and learning about different strategies that lawyers use in court to help others."
What is one thing you would want Tech fans to know about you? "I am beyond excited to become a part of such a great community and team."
Stay tuned to hokiesports.com through the weeks to come as Tech introduces more members from its 2022 signing class.