The Richmond native and Richmond United alum says she’s ready to compete for Richmond fans at City Stadium
RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Ivy Soccer Club is pleased to announce that midfielder Ava LeGault will join the team for its inaugural season pending league and federation approval. The Glen Allen native and Richmond United alum committed to play for the University of Illinois and graduated early to join their spring 2024 roster.
“I am so grateful to be receiving this offer to play for Richmond Ivy!” LeGault said. “I couldn’t be more excited to be playing in my hometown in front of the Richmond fans and get the chance to play in such a competitive environment to help me develop as a player!”
LeGault was born and raised in the Richmond area. She went to Deep Run High School and played soccer throughout her career there. As a team captain, LeGault tallied eight goals and 18 assists in the 2023 high school season, earning first team all-region, second team all-metro and second team all-state accolades in her final season with the Wildcats. She also helped to lead the team to a regional title in 2023.
The 2023 first team all-region recognition was not her first time earning the accolade as she was acknowledged as a freshman as well.
“We are excited to announce Ava as the latest homegrown commitment to play for Richmond Ivy,” Sporting Director Madeline McCracken said. “We’re pleased to keep an exciting young midfielder like Ava in Richmond for our inaugural season. She’s a very promising player who is sharp with the ball at her feet, and shows great awareness both in and out of possession. I’m looking forward to seeing her play in the W League!”
In addition to high school play, LeGault played for the Richmond United ECNL U19 team in 2022 and 2023 to round out seven total years playing with RU. In 2023, the team went 10-1 with LeGault earning ECNL Players to Watch recognition in the second weekend of September.
“I’ve watched Ava grow into the playmaker she is today, first hand,” Ivy Head Coach Kimmy Cummings said. “Ava reads the game very well, is dynamic on and off the ball, and is able to find pockets of space in possession to help build and create attacks. She is the type of player that will play box to box but can also sit in and be a general in the midfield. Her versatility and workhorse mentality are sure to bring excitement to the fans in City Stadium!
LeGault is now early-enrolled at the University of Illinois, competing in their slate of Spring competition ahead of the 2024 season. Upon LeGault’s collegiate commitment, Illinois Head Coach Janet Rayfield highlighted what she and her recruiting staff saw in LeGault’s play that drew them to her.
“Ava’s accolades and statistics show that she is a creator and a playmaker,” Rayfield said upon LeGault’s commitment to the Fighting Illini. “Whether she is shooting or giving the ball to a teammate in a position to score, Ava has the creativity and ability to create opportunities and help her team score goals and win games.”
