University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hen Women's Soccer Adds California Native Riley Dixon
7/27/2017 1:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer
NEWARK, Del. – With the start of preseason camp just days away, University of Delaware women's soccer head coach Mike Barroquiero announced the addition of true freshman Riley Dixon for the upcoming 2017 season.
Dixon (San Diego, Calif./Rancho Bernardo), who will have true freshman eligibility, joins the Blue Hens as the ninth member of the 2017 recruiting class.
“I couldn't be more excited to add Riley Dixon to an already stellar 2017 recruiting class,” Barroquiero said. “Riley is someone who I've known since her days with the Del Mar Sharks out in San Diego. When the opportunity came to recruit her to Delaware, it was a no-brainer. Riley is smooth on the ball and calm in possession, while also bringing a strong physical element to the game. Most importantly, I believe she shares the vision that our staff has for who we want to be and how we want to play. I'm thrilled she decided to join us and I can't wait to see how she progresses.”
Born in Jacksonville, N.C., Dixon has lived in seven different states, moving due to her father Eric's illustrious military career (Lieutenant Colonel in the United State Marine Corps). The striker has an older brother, Eric, who plays soccer for the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts, and a younger brother, Jed.
Dixon played for both the Del Mar Carmel Valley Sharks and for Carslbad Elite, as she helped both teams advance to the U.S. Youth National Championships. The true freshman also appeared on the Top Drawer Soccer Tournament “Best 11” squad back in 2015.
In addition to her stellar work on the soccer pitch, Dixon ran track and field in high school, qualifying for the California state meet in 2014 and 2015. She was also a two-time San Diego Union-Times All-Academic Team selection.
The Blue Hens start practice Aug. 1, with the season opener set for Friday, Aug. 18 against George Washington at 7 p.m. at Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium. Delaware returns nine players with starting experience, including senior goalkeeper Kailyn Rekos, who led the CAA with 6.11 saves per game a year ago. Also returning is sophomore Dani Kabat, who ranked third on the squad with six points and three goals while being selected to the 2016 CAA All-Rookie team, and junior Riley Curtin, who was a 2015 CAA All-Rookie selection but missed all of last season due to injury.
MEDIA INFORMATION: Contact Andrew Stern | Anwstern@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-6519 | Cell: 914-589-9666
