NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion women’s soccer program added seven student-athletes as a part of the 2016 recruiting class, as announced by Lady Soccer Monarchs head coach Angie Hind on Wednesday.
Overall, the class is comprised of two forwards, two goalkeepers, one midfielder, one midfielder/defender and one defender. The 2016 recruiting class features five from Virginia, one from Pennsylvania and one from Finland.
“I am thrilled to have the caliber of student-athletes that we do in this years incoming class,” said head coach Angie Hind. “They bring a lot of different qualities as individuals but all share a desire to be the best they can be and also help take this program on to future success. Within this class we have a great blend of athleticism, creativity, winning mentality and above all else great personalities. I am excited for what these young women will bring to ODU women’s soccer!”
Alex Davidson a forward out of Virginia Beach, Virginia, comes to Old Dominion after playing for local club team Beach FC. Davidson attended Frank W. Cox High School where she was the leading goal scorer for two seasons. Davidson also racked up several honors while playing at Cox High School; twice named to the Frist Team All Coastal Conference, two time Coastal Conference Player of the Year, two time First Team All Region, twice named to First Team All-State, and two time NSCAA All-Atlantic Region Team honoree.
“Alex is a talented forward who sees the game well and is also a great goal threat,” said Hind about Davidson. “She is comfortable with both feet and can play both with her back to goal but can also provide for others. I think she will bring a lot to our play in the final third.”
Krista Moisio a goalkeeper from Tampere Finland is a transfer from Darton State College where she garnered a 1st team All-American accolade in 2014. Moisio also spent five years with the Finnish national team, participated on the UEFA women’s U19 European championship team that placed third in 2013 and in FIFA U20 women’s World Cup in Canada in 2014.
“Krista is an experienced GK who has played already at the collegiate level and also represented her country at various youth levels,” said Hind. “She has a real presence, great athleticism and is very comfortable with the ball at her feet. Having played at the level she has will bring much experience and confidence to our team.”
Kyra Ricks is a forward out of Portsmouth, Virginia who also played for Beach FC. Ricks played high school soccer at IC Norcom and also competed in state and international ODP levels.
“Kyra is a forward who is tremendously athletic,” Hind remarked. “Her speed and ability to get in behind defenses and finish are strengths that will add to the depth and variety in attack within our squad. Having the ability to play anywhere across the front line is also a bonus and undoubtedly her breakaway speed will cause opponents problems.”
Talia Tapper both a midfielder and defender, joins ODU after playing for club team Beach FC. Tapper went to Kellam High School where she excelled on the soccer field claiming First Team All-Conference, All-Region, All-Tidewater, All-State, All-Atlantic Region and Conference Co-Player of the Year.
“Talia is a player who has the talent and potential to play both in central midfield and also in the heart of the defense,” said Hind on Tapper. “She is a tough player but also has the ability and maturity to play quickly. She has a great strength and athleticism and I believe she will flourish at the next level. She has a true winning mentality which is apparent in whatever position she plays.”
Erin Davidson is a goalkeeper out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania who enrolled at Old Dominion this January. Davidson played at Penn Manor High School and for club team Penn Legacy where she was a Pennsylvania State Champion two years.
“Erin is a talented young keeper with great agility and power,” said Hind about Davidson. “She is a tough individual with a strong desire to develop and has the potential to strengthen our goalie position. She sees the game well, is very dynamic and will bring a great work ethic and ambition to the squad.”
Sydney Phillips a defender from Chesapeake, Virginia comes to ODU after playing for local club team Beach FC, while also playing for ODP. At Grassfield High School, Phillips was named team captain and team MVP for two consecutive seasons, Second Team All-State and First Team All-Region. For three years Phillips claimed First Team All-Conference and City of Chesapeake Scholar Athlete honors. Phillips was also a member of the National Honor Society.
“Sydney is a central defender who has a good eye for the game, organizational skills and is a tough defender,” said Hind of Phillips. “She will strengthen our defensive until as a whole.”
Keri Vornadore is a midfielder from Fairfax, Virginia where she played for Paul VI Highschool, Arlington Rowdies FC and ODP. In 2011 and 2015 Vornadore lead her club team to the State Cup Final Four. Vornadore was a member of the Virginia State ODP from 2013-2015 and was also on the Region 1 ODP 2014 team that competed in the Istria Women’s Cup in Croatia. At Paul VI High School she was named Rookie of the Year 2012 and honorable mention in 2015. Vornadore also played for club team McLean from 2012-2014 that competed in the ECNL.
“Keri is a very technical and creative attacking midfielder,” said Hind on Vornadore. “She has great touch and vision to find a final pass. She will bring a different skill-set to the team and add to the creativity in the final third of the field.”