University of North Florida signs United Futbol Academy ECNL center back Hadley Collier

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida women’s soccer program announced the signing of 5-9 center back Hadley Collier out of Roswell, Ga., as released by head coach Eric Faulconer and staff.

The central defender out of the Peach State attends Roswell High School while also playing for United Futbol Academy (UFA) ECNL as team captain. Known as a well-versed back with strong passing abilities and a knack for absorbing pressure, Collier dominates in the air and is a strong tackler on the ball.

“Hadley is the type of student-athlete you spend five minutes with and you instantly know that you want her to be a part of your program,” said head UNF women’s soccer coach Eric Faulconer. “She is going to be a wonderful addition to our UNF community and the women’s soccer team. Hadley in many ways reminds me of our current captain, Zara Siassi. She is very smart tactically and understands how to read the game and organize her backline. She is strong in the air and is a very good distributor of the ball. She is competitive and driven, both on the field and in the classroom. She has dealt with some injury adversity in the past year, but she has attacked the setback with the same unbelievable work ethics that she puts into everything she does. We are thrilled to have Hadley in our program and we look forward to seeing her continued growth throughout her career.”

Collier touts advanced tactical acumen, earning ECNL First Team All-Conference Southeast Division and Georgia High School Association 7A All-Region Team honors. She’s coupled her on-pitch laurels by excelling in the classroom, being recognized as a top five percent Georgia Merit Scholar.

“Occasionally during a coach’s career, we get the opportunity to work with special players who seem to have everything,” said UFA Executive Director Iggy Moleka. “Hadley is the epitome of the perfect student of the game. Her unmatched commitment to the game is an example for everyone. She has a tireless work ethic and an insatiable desire to learn. Hadley is a fearless leader, constantly organizing from her defensive position. Her bold communication instills confidence in teammates, driving others to perform at their best. Hadley’s ability to read the game, combined with aerial dominance, practically ensures success at the next level. We are excited to see where her talent and leadership takes her within the University of North Florida women’s soccer program.”

More Honors of Note

• ECNL team captain for the past five years
• Most outstanding defender for Roswell varsity soccer in 2021
• ECNL First Team All-Conference (2020-21)
• Four-Time TopDrawer Soccer ECNL Weekly Standout
• Team Core Value Award 2022-2023 season
• Georgia Certificate of Merit Scholars, which recognizes the top 5% of GA high schoolers
• Four years on Principal’s Honor roll
• Two years in National Honor society
• Tom Zachary VIP award 2019
• Four-year Varsity Letterman