By Owen Gotimer
LoCoSports Editor-in-Chief
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Leesburg (October 5, 2015) — Loudoun County High School junior Allyson Brown has made a verbal commitment to continue her soccer career at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University beginning in the 2017-2018 academic year.
“It feels great to know that I don’t have to worry about the stress of looking at different schools and talking to different coaches since I found the one that fits me best,” the 5-foot-7 Brown said. “Now, I can just focus on my academics and staying in shape for when the time comes to leave for Tech.”
Brown — who originally made a verbal commitment to West Virginia University — opted to change her commitment to the in-state school, in part, because of the team’s goals.
“I chose Virginia Tech because of what the school can offer both academically and with soccer,” Brown said. “I love the coaching staff and the girls on the team, as well as the positivity that they bring onto the field. What I love most is that they have goals to be national champions which is what I want to accomplish as well.”
Winning is definitely something Brown knows well.
In 2014, the VSA Elite team member helped the Briar Woods Falcons to a VHSL 5A state championship before transferring to Loudoun County in 2015 when she helped the Lady Raiders to a VHSL 4A state championship.
“I think after last season, winning states, we definitely still have a strong team with only losing six seniors,” said Brown who was selected first team All-LoCo in 2015. “I think we have a chance of winning states again, and I am motivated to, since we have the skill and great chemistry between all of us on and off the field. I love all of the girls on the team, and I hope to earn another state ring this year!”
Loudoun County’s season culminated in the state championship much like its run at the VHSL 4A North region and Conference 21 championships ended: with wins over crosstown rival Heritage High School — where current Virginia Tech goalkeeper Zoe Foxhall graduated in 2015.
The Division I Hokies — including Stone Bridge graduates Murielle Tiernan (2013) and Gracie DeGooyer (2014), Broad Run graduate Caroline Kerns (2015) and Foxhall — also have winning traditions as they currently sit 11-1-1 in 2015. With a 3-1 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Virginia Tech is ranked No. 8/9 in the country with hopes of winning the program’s first ever national championship this fall.
“I think I’ll add a positive attacking mentality to the team as well as — hopefully — lots of goals since I play up top,” said Brown who will play either forward or attacking midfielder for the Hokies. “I also think I’ll add great speed and strength with my size.”
With a mom who played at James Madison University, Brown has been around and playing soccer her whole life and hopes to use her parents’ motivation to keep her growing as a player.
“I have been playing soccer since I was two years old and never once thought of quitting. Both of my parents played soccer, and they have always been so supportive of me,” Brown said. “I like the fact that I can step out on the field to play and not worry about anything else going on, motivated to get better every day.”
