Old Dominion University women’s soccer unveils 4-player early signing class

NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University women’s soccer head coach Angie Hind announced the addition of four new players to next year’s roster, as Yasmyn Ellis, Ryan Parncutt, Laila Payton and Katie Smith all signed and returned their NLI’s.

“I am really excited to add these talented players, as well as great young women to our squad,” explained Hind. “I feel they all can bring something to this program to help our continued success. I have been impressed by their desire to positively impact our team and be a part of what we are building here at ODU women’s soccer. I am thrilled to welcome Ryan, Laila, Katie, and Yasmyn into our Monarch family.”

MEET THE NEWEST SOCCER MONARCHS:

YASMYN ELLIS

“I chose ODU because it felt like home from the second I stepped onto campus. No other school I visited gave me the feeling that ODU did.”

Intended Major: Biology with a minor in Psychology
High School: First Colonial
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Club Team: Beach FC
Position: Midfield

Hind on Ellis:
“Yasmyn is a great local talent and I have always stressed that we want to try and bring the best local players here to ODU. She has great presence and is very comfortable on the ball and I believe will add to our midfield and the style in which we like to play. I am thrilled to have Yasmyn as part of our team.”

RYAN PARNCUTT

“I chose ODU because of the amazing campus, location of the university and the awesome coaching staff.”

Intended Major: Physical Education/Sports Management
High School: Edgewood
Hometown: Abingdon Md.
Club Team: Harford FC United
Position: Midfield

Hind on Parncutt:
“Ryan is a player who has shown such great desire to be part of this program. Her enthusiasm teamed with her ability is a really exciting prospect for me. Ryan’s competitive mentality teamed with her quality and real winning mentality make her a player I am excited to bring here and work with on a daily basis.”

LAILA PAYTON

“I chose ODU because of the beautiful campus and I knew that I wanted a challenge on and off the soccer field.”

Intended Major: Psychology
High School: The Episcopal Academy
Hometown: Aldan Pa.
Club Team: FC Delco
Position: Defense

Hind on Payton:
“Laila is a player we believe has a great potential both athletically but also as a soccer player. She has great poise on the ball as well strong defensive qualities and I am excited to have her here and part of our defensive unit.”

KATIE SMITH

“I chose ODU because it allows me to be close to my family, near the water and has a great School of Sciences, which allows me to get one of the best undergraduate educations for my desired career. Lastly, I chose ODU because I saw how much I could grow as a student, person and player.”

Intended Major: Biology
High School: Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
Club Team: Richmond United ECNL
Position: Forward

Hind on Smith:
“Katie is a very dynamic forward and a player that I feel has great potential to develop here. Her naturally competitive mentality teamed with her speed and ability to create in the final third will bring an additional threat to our attacking play. I am excited to welcome her to the Monarch family.”