Building 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 – Ruby Darling is a five-foot-nine forward and defensive back who hails from Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she was a four-year varsity letterwinner and two-year captain at Mountain View High School in nearby Stafford. A lifelong Virginian, the 2021 Free Lance-Star Player of the Year transfers into her home state at Virginia Tech as a sophomore, having competed at West Virginia during her 2021 rookie season.
"We are excited to have Ruby join our squad," said head coach Chugger Adair. "We have known her for quite some time and we have seen her play multiple positions.
"Ruby is versatile, strong and athletic; she can help our team in many different ways. We are excited to bring her into our family at Virginia Tech and are looking forward to the impact she makes on campus."
Youngest of five children, (Anne) Darling comes from an athletic family as her father, Neil, played football at Hobart College while two of her brothers, Brian and Kevin, played lacrosse together at Moravian University.
A two-sport varsity student-athlete at Mountain View, Darling excelled at both soccer and indoor track, earning two all-state selections in the former (2019, 2021) while garnering four consecutive all-area, all-district and all-region honors (2017-21). On the oval, she co-led the Wildcats' 4x400-meter relay team to a school-record time at the Virginia High School League (VHSL) 5D championship meet.
Beginning her club soccer days on the Virginia state team within the Virginia ODP (Olympic Development Program), Darling soon became a top-10 national goal scorer with the Virginia Development Academy (Woodbridge, Virginia). Most recently, she competed for four years as a forward and defensive back with Richmond United (Richmond, Virginia).
Darling made one reserve appearance at West Virginia during the 2021 season, taking the pitch during a September match against Kent State.
What schools did you consider? "Air Force, East Carolina, Longwood, Missouri, Virginia Tech and West Virginia (attended)."
Why Virginia Tech? "I chose to transfer to Virginia Tech because the team and the staff exhibited many factors that were important to me in finding my new home. The team culture is very positive and the staff communicates that development is important, which is vital to me. I am also from Virginia and remaining in-state is extremely attractive to me. Virginia Tech is home!"
What was your favorite takeaway from your visit to Blacksburg? "I loved trying on Tech's uniforms, taking photos and seeing the athletic dining hall. The facilities here are amazing and I cannot wait to step onto the field!"
What do you like about the Tech women's soccer program? "I love the team culture and the atmosphere here. These are things I was missing with my past teams that became extremely attractive attributes of Virginia Tech. The facilities are stunning and the obvious success of the program drew me into becoming a Hokie."
What are your soccer strengths? "I would say my soccer strengths are definitely my build, my size and my speed. I am so thrilled to be here and improve on those attributes."
Who is your favorite professional player? "My favorite professional player is probably Tobin Heath. I think she is so fun to watch and is so creative. I also love Crystal Dunn because I appreciate how she is so hard-working and relentless."
What is your most memorable soccer moment? "My most memorable soccer moment was when I was named Player of the Year at my high school."
What are you interested in studying at Virginia Tech? "My intended major right now is political science and this is because I plan to attend law school after I graduate. I believe this major will be beneficial towards my pursuit."
What is one thing you would want Tech fans to know about you? "I am Virginia born and raised! I am thrilled to be playing in my home state and learning the ways of the Hokies!"
Stay tuned to hokiesports.com through the weeks to come as Tech introduces more members from its 2022 signing class.
