Hokie ClubBella Ganiere
Defender
Broomfield, Colo.
Broomfield High School
Utah
Virginia Tech women’s soccer has signed Bella Ganiere to the 2026 recruiting class. Ganiere, a defender from Broomfield, Colo., joins the Hokies after two seasons with Utah. Before playing collegiately, she was a three-time ECNL National Champion with Real Colorado National ECNL as well as a 5A State Champion at the high school level with Broomfield High School. Ganiere has participated in U.S. Youth National Team ID Camps at the U14 and U16 age groups.
“We’re excited to add Bella to the program and the team,” head coach Chugger Adair said. “She’s an attacking-minded outside back who can get forward in the attack and create from the wide space. She will fit in wonderfully with our program, and we can’t wait to have her on campus.”
Why did you choose Virginia Tech? I chose Virginia Tech because it offers everything I was looking for in a school and soccer program. The combination of high-level competition, strong academics and the culture surrounding Virginia Tech really stood out to me. From the moment I visited campus, I could tell how much pride everyone takes in being a Hokie. The coaching staff made me feel valued, and I could see that they genuinely care about helping players develop both on and off the field. I wanted to be somewhere that would challenge me as an athlete while also preparing me for my future career, and Virginia Tech felt like the perfect place to do that.
What was your favorite thing about your visit? My favorite part about my visit was experiencing the atmosphere around Virginia Tech and seeing how much pride people have in their school. Walking around campus, touring the facilities and talking with the coaching staff gave me a great sense of what the university is all about. Everyone I met was welcoming, and it was easy to see how supportive the Virginia Tech community is. The visit made me feel like it was a place where I could grow as a person and player.
What excites you the most about being part of Virginia Tech women’s soccer? What excites me most is the opportunity to compete at a high level every day while being surrounded by teammates and coaches who push me to be my best. The ACC is one of the best conferences in the country, and I’m excited to challenge myself against elite competition. I’m also looking forward to building friendships with my teammates and contributing to a program that has a strong tradition and high expectations. I’m super excited to represent Virginia Tech!
What are your soccer strengths? I would say some of my biggest strengths are my work ethic, competitiveness and versatility. As an outside back, I enjoy contributing on both sides of the ball. I take pride in my ability to defend one-on-one and help organize the back line, but I also love getting forward and creating opportunities in the attack using my speed, technicality and left-footed services. No matter the situation, I try to bring energy, composure and consistency every time I step on the field.
Who is your favorite pro player and why? My favorite pro player is Nuno Mendes because he is also a midfielder who was converted to outside back, and I love watching the way he impacts the game on both sides of the ball. He’s very athletic, fast, defends well in 1v1 situations, and is super dangerous going forward. What stands out the most to me is his ability to balance attacking and defending while playing with so much confidence, composure and discipline at a young age. On the women’s side, my favorite player is Gisele Thompson because of her attacking-minded playing style, explosive speed, technical ability, athleticism and strong 1v1 defending abilities.
What do you plan on majoring in? I plan on majoring in Public Health. I’ve always been interested in health, wellness, and helping others, and I believe public health provides a strong foundation for those interests!
What is one thing you want Virginia Tech fans to know about you? I want Virginia Tech fans to know that I am someone who will always give everything I have for my team, whether it’s during training sessions, games, or in the classroom. I’m super grateful for the opportunity to be a Hokie and I can’t wait to represent Virginia Tech!