Norwin’s Sydney Gray verbals to VMI for soccer

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, September 3, 2020 | 6:01 PM

Norwin is used to churning out NCAA Division I girls soccer talent. It is practically a yearly occurrence for the perennial power.

College coaches know where to find high-caliber players who will fit into their system.

Sydney Gray became the latest player from the school to choose a D1 program as she announced Thursday her commitment to Virginia Military Institute.

But don’t expect to see Gray on the field at Norwin this fall. She has decided to train solely with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy.

A center-forward, she already feels somewhat regimented as she prepares for the lifestyle that comes with a VMI offer.

I am beyond excited and blessed to announce I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at VMI playing Division 1 soccer. GO KEYDETS❤️???????????? @VMIAthletics @HoundsAcademy @BillBeckner pic.twitter.com/gcRJRAOJLg

— sydney gray (@syd_grayy) September 3, 2020

Gray said she also was in contact with Brown, Bucknell and New Hampshire. Her sister, Lexi, who played soccer at Norwin, is on the Bucknell track team. Lexi Gray initially was going to play soccer in college.

“I’ve been interested in potentially serving in the military since a young age,” Sydney Gray said. “VMI gives me the opportunity to experience the military portion in college and also gives me the opportunity to be commissioned during or after school.”

VMI has had Gray on its radar since the spring, she said. ECNL showcases helped to highlight her play.

“They were one of the first schools to reach out to me,” she said. “I feel that I’m ready for the military lifestyle because I already follow a structured daily plan between the physical and mental aspects.”

Gray said she is proud to be joining her sister as a Division I athlete.

“My sister set the bar high for me and inspired me to work harder,” she said. “I’m extremely humbled yet proud of myself for the hard work I’ve put in all my life. This opportunity is proof that when you put in the work, it pays off.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin