NORFOLK, Va. – ODU women’s soccer head coach Angie Hind announced the addition of six players from five different states to the program on Thursday. Two players reign from Maryland, while the other four will venture to Norfolk from Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Richmond, Va.
“This is a very exciting day for ODU women’s soccer,” said Hind. “We as a staff and team are very excited to welcome these six players to our program for the fall. Within this group we have all the key characteristics that are essential to the continued development of this program. They are competitive, committed and without doubt talented but their collective hard-working mentality excites me because with these attributes they can make a significant impact on our team.
MEET THE NEWEST LADY MONARCHS
JOSIE SAURO
Position: Defender
High School: South St. Paul High School
Hometown: South St. Paul, Minnesota
Why ODU?: “I chose ODU because it will challenge me both academically and athletically. When visiting, I fell in love with the campus and how welcoming everyone was, as well as the beautiful facilities and location.”
Honors:
Club: Minnesota Thunder Academy - ECNL seven years, 2016 National League Finals, 2015 ECNL North American Cup National Champions, 2012 U.S Club Region II Champions, Minnesota ODP Region Team 2011, 2012.
High School: All-Conference 2014, 2015, 2016; All-State nominee 2014, 2015, 2016; All-State track and field 2014, 2015; National Honors Society 2016, 2017; Academic All-State in soccer and track and field.
Hind on Sauro:
“First of all Josie is a fantastic young lady, since the first day we met her she has shown great enthusiasm for this program and being part of the Monarch family. As a player she is strong, powerful and has great athleticism as a modern attacking back. Her competitive instincts teamed with her soccer ability make me extremely excited to have her join our program.”
EMILY ROBERTS
Position: Defender
High School: Archbishop Spalding High School
Hometown: Severn, Maryland
Why ODU?: “I chose ODU because I loved the campus as soon as I walked around due the close knit feeling, yet a large population. I also loved the coaches (personality and style of coaching) and some of the team I got the opportunity to meet, so it was a perfect fit.”
Honors: All-Conference all four years of high school; All-County sophomore, junior, and senior year; All-State junior and senior year; All-Region senior year; and All-American senior year.
Hind on Roberts:
“Emily is a winner. She has genuine presence on the field and as a central defender is extremely good both in the air but also in commanding the final third. She has composure and a real leader’s mentality. With her athleticism and character I envision a great future for Emily as part of this program.”
EMMA GERVASE
Position: Midfield
High School: Nardin Academy in Buffalo, N.Y.
Hometown: Williamsville, N.Y.
Why ODU?: “The first thing that drew me to ODU was the location. Also, since soccer is going to be a big part of my collegiate life, I was happy to feel that instant connection with head coach Angie Hind. Angie’s and Assistant coach Michelle Barr’s sincerity were also very refreshing! Once I met the underclassmen on the soccer team I knew right away that it would be a good soccer fit. The fact that ODU is a large research University was also a draw since I am currently unsure of my major but like the idea of having many options.”
Honors: 2015 and 2016 Region 1 Pool Player; 2016 ODP International Costa Rica Trip; 2015 ODP National Training Camp; five years NYW ODP; ALL-WNY 1ST TEAM three years in a row; HS League MVP three years in a row; All-Catholic First Team four years.
Hind on Gervase: “Emma is a very talented soccer player. As a composed central midfielder she is not only comfortable in possession but she is forward thinking and possesses a real goal threat from the center of the field. Competitively she is tough, has a real winning mentality and a great-added threat in the air. Her dedication and commitment will bring much to our program, I’m very excited to work with her on a daily basis.”
MORGAN HALL
Position: Forward
High School: Godwin High School
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
Why ODU?: “I chose to play soccer at ODU because of the great coaching staff and athletic facilities. ODU offers an excellent academic program for my major, exercise science and I look forward to continuing my education here. I really like the location of the campus and feel at home when I am at ODU.”
Honors: Richmond United ECNL (PDP program 2016); Godwin High School - (All-District 2015, 2016 and All-Region 2015).
Hind on Hall:
“Morgan is a player that we have seen get consistently better and better and I believe she is a real impact player. She is extremely technical, can beat a player and has a keen eye for goal. Again with that competitive mentality and work ethic I am extremely excited for the impact she will make. She is a talented wide player and these are not easy to find, so I’m thrilled she joins our team.”
RYANN HARRIS
Position: Defender
High School: Jerome High School
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Why ODU?: “I picked ODU because it was everything I was looking for in a college and the team was very welcoming.”
Honors: Ohio Elite ECNL, First Team All-OCC.
Hind on Harris:
“Ryann is a tough, hard-working player who really impressed us with her intensity and determination on the field. She is extremely competitive and has the overall fitness to get forward from that outside back position. I am excited to have Ryann join our Monarch family and feel her commitment and work-ethic teamed with her abilities will add a lot to our soccer team and culture.”
Blair Vilov
Position: Forward
High School: Parkside High School
Hometown: Salisbury, Maryland
Why ODU?: “I chose ODU because I loved the campus, coaches and soccer team. It was my top choice and I felt like it was the best place for me to meet my future athletic and academic goals.”
Honors: Played for ASA Azzurri, Four-time Maryland State Cup Champions, First Team All-State, Two-time Bayside South Conference Player of the Year, Three-time team MVP, Team captain, scored 100 goals in high school career, National Honor Society.
Hind on Vilov:
“Blair is hard-working player with a real nose for goal. To score over 100 goals at the high school level doesn’t happen without great instincts. She is a hard-working player who will add to the attacking options we currently possess in the squad. I’m excited for her to join the team and look forward to developing her potential even further as part of our women’s soccer program.”