WARWICK – Joanna Bradley has been stress-free this fall as she plays in the midfield for Warwick.
Recruiting for college football was a tough summer for Bradley, a junior. He and his father traveled the country, including to Seattle, flying out of Stewart Airport in Newburgh almost every weekend to attend tournaments, camps and showcases. Bradley spoke with numerous Division I coaches beginning in mid-June to find the right fit.
After August 1, visits with officials from Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, Boston College and Arizona State University were scheduled. Bradley narrowed his search to Virginia Tech and Arizona State. Both schools offered sports media and journalism majors, which interested Bradley. Virginia Tech plays in the Atlantic Athletic Conference, a high-level league that Bradley always wanted to play in.
Bradley committed to join the Hokies and coach Charles Adair on Sept. 12.
“It was a really tough decision,” Bradley said. “The (Virginia Tech) campus was amazing. They play in the ACC, which in my opinion is the best conference or league in NCAA women’s soccer. I just felt like Virginia Tech was the perfect fit.”
High-level competition is nothing new for Bradley, who has played for World Class FC in Rockland County and the Elite Club National League since he was 10. A three-year starter at Warwick, Bradley scored four goals in his first two games for the Wildcats.
Bradley said he feels “at ease” heading to Virginia Tech. The Hokies are 7-3-1 with one tie this fall and 2-1 in the ACC. Virginia Tech was 7-8-3 with three ties last year and 4-6 in the ACC.
“(Recruiting) is hard as hell, but I’m really happy when it’s over,” Bradley said. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment. I’m accepted into college. Now I can take a breather. Now I just have to work hard on the field and wait for the day when I can go to college.”
