St. John’s women’s soccer signs graduate transfer from Syracuse

The St. John’s women’s soccer team made an addition to its 2021 fall roster, securing a commitment from Syracuse graduate transfer Shannon Aviza.

Aviza, who will play alongside her sister Isabelle Aviza, will be eligible for one season with the Red Storm.

Over her four years with the Orange, Aviza started in all 59 games that she played in. Aviza, who was named the team’s 2020 captain, is coming off her senior campaign. During her final season with the Orange, Aviza netted the second score of her career against Virginia on Nov. 1.

As a junior, Aviza started all 16 games, recording the second-most points on the team with four. The Medway, Mass., native recorded her first career goal in game-winning fashion against Siena. Aviza also aided in two other goals during the 2019 campaign.

During the 2018 season, Aviza earned starts in 17 games. She saw her lone shot of the season come against Colgate on Sept. 9.

As a rookie, Aviza was one of just five players to start in all 17 matches for the Orange and one of just two freshmen to do so. Aviza tallied a pair of shots on the year against Wake Forest and North Carolina. That same season, Aviza helped the backline tally eight shutouts.

In addition to her effort on the pitch, Aviza is a three-time Dean’s List selection, and was most recently named to the 2020 Fall Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Prior to enrolling at Syracuse, Aviza had an impressive career at Medway High School, recording 54 goals and 50 assists. Over her final two seasons with the Mustangs, Aviza led her squad to the Massachusetts Division 3 state finals in 2015 and 2016 after winning the Tri Valley League, Division 3 South Sectional and Division Eastern Massachusetts championships. Following the 2016 campaign, Aviza earned 2016 Division 3 Eastern Massachusetts Player of the Year honors.