Hargrove, a “proud representative of Richmond,” returns home to play between the pipes for W League RVA
RICHMOND, Va. — W League RVA is pleased to announce that goalkeeper Lauren Hargrove will join the team in its inaugural season pending league and federation approval. Hargrove, a junior at Virginia Tech (Tech, VT) is originally from Richmond and played for Richmond United throughout her young career.
“The opportunity to play for this new team holds immense significance for me, not only as a goalkeeper but also as a proud representative of Richmond,” Hargrove said. “Being part of this inaugural squad allows me to contribute to the team’s foundation and be a part of its growth from the very beginning. It’s a chance to showcase my skills, build new connections, and bring the spirit of Richmond onto the field.”
Hargrove put together a breakout sophomore year with the Hokies in 2022 after coming on in relief of their injured starter 36 minutes into play at William & Mary College. Despite the team facing a 3-2 deficit, Hargrove stepped up and made key saves without conceding another goal which allowed the Hokies to pull off a 4-3 comeback victory.
“We’re excited for this opportunity for Lauren and hopefully for some other kids,” Tech Head Coach Charles Adair said. “We’re excited to see what Richmond’s doing for the women’s game and for these student athletes to give them another avenue to play in, prior to going to preseason with us in the college game so we’re excited and looking forward to the season to watch how everything pans out.”
During the 2022 season, Hargrove maintained a 0.695 save percentage and posted a winning record of 9-7-2. She recorded 57 saves which ranked seventh in the Atlantic Coast Conference on the year. Five of those saves came against Syracuse to claim her sixth clean sheet on the season. And, earlier in the season, Hargrove notched two back-to-back clean sheets in ACC action against Wake Forest and NC State.
According to Adair, Hargrove’s best performance came in the NCAA Tournament in a 2-0 loss at West Virginia. Despite the result, Hargrove made six saves to keep the Hokies in the match and was singled out as the player of the match.
In her freshman season, Hargrove made two reserve goalkeeping appearances and finished with a clean sheet in one of those appearances. She logged 22 minutes during her collegiate debut, starting the second half during the Hokies’ 7-1 win against Elon. Hargrove will return to the Hokies after the season with W League RVA as a redshirt junior.
“For us, it was seeing Lauren’s passion for playing and her passion for sports,” Adair said of what drew them to Hargrove in the first place. “She’s got an enjoyment when she plays and an enjoyment with the sport and training so we enjoy that and her personality. She’s been a very good shot stopper. She’s someone who can step in and play in all different situations and we have been able to use her in different situations while she has been with us at Tech.”
Before college, Hargrove played for Richmond United (RU) throughout high school and served as the Douglas S. Freeman High School varsity starting goalkeeper for all four years as well. Under coaches Aaron Brunner and Andy McIntosh, Hargrove posted 15 clean sheets across 20 matches during the 2019-20 season for RU. In doing so, she helped Richmond advance to the Elite Club National League (ECNL) national qualifiers.
“Watching Lauren play her youth career and be a role model for young Richmond United goalkeepers is exactly what I’m excited to watch her replicate again between the pipes for W League RVA,” W League RVA Head Coach Kimmy Cummings said. “She’s always been a player that gives everything she has in training and in games while challenging those around her to push their limits. Lauren’s comfort on the ball and willingness to play a high line to help build and support our attack is what I believe our fans will want to see in City Stadium! I’m excited to welcome her to the team!”
With Freeman High School, Hargrove helped the Mavericks reach the 2019 Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 5 semifinals. In 2018, she was named to the Richmond Metro All-Region Second Team and co-led the Mavericks to the 2018 VHSL Class 5 championship match.
As a youth player, Hargrove was a goalkeeper for the Richmond Strikers from 2010 to 2016. Additionally, Hargrove played three seasons in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2015 to 2017. She competed in the ODP Virginia State Pool in all three years and jumped to the ODP National Pool in 2016. Across her ODP timeline, Hargrove participated in the annual U.S. Training Center events.
“I am very excited to welcome Lauren to W League RVA!” Sporting Director Madeline McCracken said. “She plays with an intensity and passion that will be integral to the success of our team. Lauren is a natural-born leader and has immense quality as a goalkeeper. She will strengthen our backline in 2024.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Lauren and the rest of the squad in action this season! Become a member of the Founder’s Club today for season tickets, exclusive merch and an invitation to the brand launch party. Founder’s Club memberships are on sale until March 1 so get your tickets now at https://seatgeek.com/w-league-rva-tickets/ticket-packages.
