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 – Kendall DiMillio is a five-foot-four midfielder and defensive back who hails from Broadlands, Virginia, where she was a National Honors Society member and 2022 graduate at nearby Briar Woods High School. Rich with five years of academy experience at The St. James FC Virginia (TSJFCV), she makes her way to Virginia Tech in the path of her father, David, who lettered five times with the Hokies in soccer (four) and wrestling (one).
"We are extremely excited to have Kendall be a part of our group and to welcome her onto campus," said head coach Chugger Adair. "She is a versatile, athletic player who can play on the back line, can play in the midfield and can attack using both feet.
"We are excited to add Kendall to our family and are looking forward to her impact here at Virginia Tech."
Flanking its middle and back lines, DiMillio was a key connecting piece in the TSJFCV puzzle that featured three of her fellow 2022 Tech newcomers: Courtney Andersen, Maysen Nelson and Taylor Price. Under coaches Christian Cziommer and Bobby Puppione, DiMillio logged 10 career goals as an outside back, propelling the club to the 2021 Girls Academy Under-17 national championship match.
During the 2015-16 season, DiMillio was a Virginia Olympic Development Program (ODP) state and regional competitor, soon transitioning into the Virginia Development Academy. By the 2018-19 campaign, she and TSJFCV had championed the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Under-15 Atlantic Division, achieving a performance record of 21 wins, seven draws and four defeats.
DiMillio, who attended annual U.S. Soccer National Training Center events from 2016 to 2019, is a second-generation Hokie, having enrolled where her father was a two-sport varsity student-athlete. She is interested in studying sports media and analytics at Virginia Tech and has aspirations of becoming a sports marketing manager.
Why Virginia Tech? "I chose Virginia Tech because of its high-level academics as well as its great women's soccer program. I knew this is where I wanted to be because it really does feel like home."
What was your favorite takeaway from your visit to Blacksburg? "My favorite thing about my visit was having the chance to bond with the players on the team in such a welcoming environment."
What do you like about the Tech women's soccer program? "To me, the environment is highly competitive and the team is extremely close."
What are your soccer strengths? "My soccer strengths are my ability to see ahead in the game as well as how well I can dribble at opponents with pace."
Who is your favorite professional player? "My favorite professional player is Cristiano Ronaldo because I love watching him use his creativeness when he takes on players in the final third of the field."
What is your most memorable soccer moment? "My most memorable soccer moment was winning the 2021 Girls Academy national semifinal with TSJFCV to move onto the final. We won the match during extra time and when everyone rushed the field at the end, it was the greatest feeling."
What are you interested in studying at Virginia Tech? "I intend to major in sports media and analytics because I have a passion for sports and I want to be involved in a career that is interactive."
What is one thing you would want Tech fans to know about you? "My dad also played soccer at Virginia Tech and I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
Stay tuned to hokiesports.com through the weeks to come as Tech introduces more members from its 2022 signing class.