Vanderbilt bolsters back line with trio of new defenders and a goalkeeper

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt soccer team is set to welcome four new faces in the upcoming fall class, including three defenders and one goalkeeper.

The additions to the Commodores’ 2024 recruiting class include Neliaj Deleon, Ellie Fife, Mary Beth McLaughlin and Ava Slay.

“I am confident that this class will greatly impact our program throughout their careers,” said head coach Darren Ambrose. “They all have a very competitive mindset and are terrific teammates. I have no doubt that they will quickly establish themselves in our culture and bring great energy to the team. They are wonderful people who will represent Vanderbilt on and off the field with great character and spirit.”

NELIAJ DELEON | Goalkeeper – Classics Elite – Georgetown, Texas

A high school and club standout, Deleon was named 2024 Greater Austin Sports Foundation Scholar-Athlete of the Year following her final high school season. Rated a three-star recruit by Top Drawer Soccer, she was named to the Texas First Team All-State twice, in 2023 and 2024, and Texas Academic All-State in 2024. In 2023, the Texas native was selected to the ECNL National Selection Game Houston and received three invitations to U.S. Youth National training camps in 2019, 2022 and 2023.

Ambrose on Deleon: “Neliaj is a great shot-stopper and is confident in possession of the ball at her feet. She is a constant communicator who inspires confidence in her teammates. Her tremendous work ethic will allow her to grow into a bigger role as she matures.”

ELLIE FIFE | Defender – Michigan Hawks – Ann Arbor, Mich.

Fife, considered a four-star recruit by Top Drawer Soccer, is a decorated defender from Community High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Ranked as the 32nd best player in the United States by Prep Soccer in 2024, Fife was a first-team ECNL All-Midwest Conference selection after being named second team after the 2021-22 season. The defender is a three-time US Camp invitee and was chosen for the ECNL National Selection Game.

Ambrose on Fife: “Ellie is an athletic, tough defender. She is a force in the tackle and is becoming more dominant in the air. She is growing in her decision-making in possession and can unlock defenses with her long-passing ability. It will be fun to watch her take on a bigger role as she settles into the program.”

MARY BETH McLAUGHLIN | Defender – Tophat SC – Cummings, Ga.

Out of Denmark High School, McLaughlin earned three-time Defender-of-the-Year honors for the Danes. Rated a three-star recruit by Top Drawer Soccer, McLaughlin led the Danes to a 2023 state championship and was named 7A all-region and all-county. The Georgia native helped her team to the 2022 regional championship. On the club level, McLaughlin played for TopHat SC, leading her team to Gold National Qualifiers for consecutive seasons (2020-2024) while being invited to the Girls Academy League Talent ID Camp, Southeast Conference three times. Her older sister, Hannah, also plays for the Commodores.

Ambrose on McLaughlin: “Mary Beth has all the tools to become a major force in our backline. She is tough to beat one-on-one and has shown she can also be a force in the air. She responds to any challenge, which bodes well for her growth. I’m really excited to watch MB evolve into a very high-level center back.”

AVA SLAY | Defender/Midfielder – Albion Hurricanes FC – Boerne, Texas

Slay joins the program out of Boerne Champion High School, where she was named District 26-5A Defender of the Year and Texas Association of Soccer Coaches First Team All-Region. Rated a three-star recruit by Top Drawer Soccer, Slay was named to the ECNL Second Team All-Conference in 2022 and 2023. She was also named to the 2022 Phoenix ECNL Selection Game and the 2024 Dallas ECNL Selection Game. Ranked in the top 35 best club soccer players in Texas by Top Drawer, Slay spent two seasons playing with AHFC Royals of the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

Ambrose on Slay: “Ava is a very agile, quick and skillful wide player. She has a great engine and can patrol the sidelines with intensity and endurance. Ava has a tremendous left foot but can also deliver dangerous services with her right as well. She’s not afraid to compete in physical battles, we expect her to come in this fall and provide great competition in that wide role.”

Vandy will begin the 2024 campaign on Aug. 15 at Georgetown.