University of Florida signs defender Daviana Vaka on transfer from BYU

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida soccer program has added defender Daviana Vaka (pronounced Day-VEE-ah-nuh) to the 2023 Gator roster.

Vaka comes to the Gators as a graduate transfer after playing three seasons at Brigham Young and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“We are very excited to add Daviana to our squad this year.  She’s played big minutes against some of the top teams in the nation and brings experience that will help us with the demands of the SEC,” Bohon said. “Davi has exciting athleticism and versatility that, coupled with her soccer ability, will only help us strengthen our team.  While unapologetically competitive on the field, she’ll bring great energy and personality off the field.  Davi joins an impressive group of transfers that will undoubtedly impact our team this fall.”

Vaka joins 12 other newcomers for the 2023 season. Eight signed with Florida last fall. Three transfers and an early high school graduate joined the Gator team this spring.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a Gator and am looking forward to adding my experience to the team as a grad transfer,” Vaka said. “I can’t wait to get to Gainesville and get to work with my teammates!”

Daviana Vaka 

TW: @davianavaka1  IG: @davianavaka

• Position: Defender
• High School: Juan Diego Catholic H.S. (Coach: Goran Golemba/Daniel Cavar)
• Hometown: Sandy, Utah
• Club Team: Utah Avalanche (Coach: Jimmie Powell)
• Info

At BYU (2019-22):

• Provided assist on game-winning goals in 2-1 wins versus Gonzaga and at Loyola Marymount in 2022
• Oct. 24, 2022 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Week after assist and goal line clearance versus Gonzaga
• Appeared in all but four matches in each of 2021 and 2022 seasons
• Career high minutes (62) played in 1-1 OT match versus Stanford in 2022 NCAA Second Round (BYU advanced 5-4 on penalty kicks)
• The Cougars advanced to NCAA action each of three seasons Vaka competed for BYU – 2022 (third round), 2021 (championship match) and 2020-21 (second round)
• West Coast Conference Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll in 2021-22 (bronze)

Vaka’s Career Statistics (at BYU)