Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech lacrosse head coach Kristen Skiera announced the signing of Kayla Downey, the 2023 ASUN Player of the Year, on Tuesday.
KAYLA DOWNEY
Attack
Babylon, N.Y.
West Babylon High School
Coastal Carolina
Downey joins the Hokies following three seasons at Coastal Carolina, headlined by an outstanding 2023 campaign that saw her earn the ASUN Player of the Year award. In 19 games, she scored 56 goals and logged 42 assists, good for the country's third-most points per game (5.16) and seventh-most total points (98).
"We are super excited to welcome Kayla to Blacksburg," Skiera said of Downey's addition. "She is a proven playmaker and competitor, and will be a great addition to our offense. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make during her time as a Hokie!"
Finishing top-three in the ASUN in goals, assists and points, Downey was twice named the conference's player of the week. Against Marist, she set a program record with 10 points in a 21-6 victory. Along with her achievements on the field, Downey was named to the 2023 Academic All-District Women's At-Large District team by the College Sports Communicators. She earned her bachelor's degree in Physical Education in May.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2022, Downey led the Chanticleers with 43 points, earning ASUN All-Conference second team honors. In 2021, the Babylon, N.Y. native made her mark at Coastal with 66 points in her redshirt-freshman campaign. This led to Downey being named to the All-SoCon freshman team and All-SoCon second team. Prior to her time in Conway, S.C., Downey started four games at Stony Brook in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.