Talking soccer with early Tech enrollee Ava Veith

For the 2020 season, the Virginia Tech women’s soccer program will feature ten new players, who have all been announced previously in a "Get-to-Know" series. However, three of those newcomers had already arrived on campus, had been working out with the team and are still taking classes as they enrolled early at Tech to begin their collegiate careers. Ava Veith, Tori Powell and Erin Carleton all came to Blacksburg in January, but now, like many of their teammates, they are trying to find ways to stay in shape and navigate their way through online classes.

Already in the works for this semester were "Early Enrollee Q&As." Here is the first one with Williamsburg, Va., native Ava Veith, who started in Tech’s lone scrimmage of the spring versus Liberty and played about three-quarters of the match at left back.

"Overall, playing a game with a Virginia Tech jersey on was a huge honor for me and I really enjoyed being given the opportunity to represent such an amazing school," she said about the match. "The beautiful sunset in the background just made it that much better. I am excited to see what the future holds for us and I am hoping we can step back out onto the field soon."

Her Q&A now includes some added questions related to the special circumstances student athletes are in because of the coronavirus.

Q: When did you first entertain the idea of graduating early and enrolling at Tech this January?

AV: "I first heard about graduating early as an option in the spring of last year. I had never really thought of it before this time, but after weighing the pros and cons of this opportunity, I knew it was right for me."

Q: Was this a difficult decision, whose advice did you seek, if any, and what do you remember of those conversations?

AV: "It was a difficult decision, as I knew I would be missing out on both club soccer and high school events. I asked my parents for advice, and they were both very encouraging as they also thought graduating early would be a good route to take. Additionally, I talked to a former D1 college soccer athlete who also graduated early to hear her thoughts on the topic, and she was very happy with her decision and was very supportive towards mine."

Q: What are you most excited about with your decision to enroll early?

AV: "I think enrolling early at Virginia Tech allowed me to become acclimated to the college lifestyle, as I was able to familiarize myself with the campus, my teammates, and how to most efficiently live my life as a Hokie overall."

Q: What was your biggest apprehension in the decision?

AV: "Like many students, I think taking the leap from high school to college is a little intimidating, but I know I’m mature and capable of taking on the challenges college has to offer. It was difficult to get my decision to graduate early recognized by my school, as I had to contact my school board leaders and take several steps in efforts to get my request approved. I was both excited and nervous for what this wonderful opportunity has in store for me."

Q: How had the first couple of months gone for you, in terms of acclimating to school and the working with the program?

AV: "For me, the first couple of months at Tech were awesome. I was able to adjust to the college lifestyle pretty quickly. I really enjoyed staying busy by doing the things I’m passionate about, like focusing on soccer and my major. The support for student-athletes at VT is amazing both athletically and academically. Everyone truly wants the best for you and wants to see you succeed. With all the available tutors, study hall, and weekly meetings with your advisor, you honestly have to try and fail. I have already seen improvements in myself on the field and in the classroom, and I’m excited to keep moving in a positive direction both individually and as a team. I’m so appreciative to be in an environment surrounded by people who push me to be my very best and I honestly could not be happier with my decision to become a Hokie!"

Q: With everything that’s happened, are you still happy with your decision to enroll early?

AV: With everything that has been happening, I am still very happy that I made the decision to come early. I came to VT a semester early knowing that I would have to miss out on my senior year and all the special events that come with it like prom, graduation, and the overall experience of being a senior with all of my childhood friends. Unfortunately, the situation we are in has caused all seniors to miss out on these experiences, which is frustrating. However, knowing I would not have participated in any of these events anyway makes me appreciate that I was given the opportunity to use this time to start my collegiate career."

Q: How are you adapting to online classes and trying to work out in our current climate?

AV: The transition to online classes has been smooth overall. I think most college classes are already prepared for virtual learning as there is a large amount of resources and information available on the canvas page to begin with. For the athletic side of things, maintaining an 8-10 a.m. practice schedule, five days a week has been important to me. I usually train at a middle- school field or just in my garage. We also have a weight set at home that I have been using, but this situation has forced me to make the most of what I already have available."