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 Hawk – 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,…