BLACKSBURG – As it has been done now for several years, the Virginia Tech women's soccer program introduces its signing class in a different way. Rather than announcing all of them and their accomplishments in one release, Tech highlights each new signee individually with her own release and a "Get to Know" Q&A. This method will continue for the 2021 signing class in our "Welcome Wednesday" features until all of the new Hokies have been announced.
 
The first 2021 addition to be featured is Maddy Baucom, a 5-foot-7 defender from Waxhaw, North Carolina. She currently attends Marvin Ridge High School and she anticipates majoring in either forensic science or political science/pre-law.
 
Currently, Baucom is playing for NC Fusion ECNL under coach John Pardini, but spent the previous eight seasons with the Charlotte Soccer Development Academy under Phillip Poole and Dan Dudley, which included playing up an age group for two years and was the team's captain in 2018. Highlights of her time with Charlotte include NCYSA state titles in 2015 and 2016 and being named a finalist for the Young Female Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020 at the Charlotte Soccer Gala.
 
She also attended US Soccer Training Center events from 2014 through 2018 and earned a regional combine invitation (consisting of players from N.C., S.C., Ga., and Fla.) in 2016.
 
At Marvin Ridge, Baucom played just one season for coach Keith Koteles as a sophomore and led the North Carolina 3A/Southern Carolina Conference in assists with 24. Accolades poured in for her from just that one season as Baucom helped the team to a conference championship and the fourth round of the state playoffs – NCSCA All-Region, all-state and all-conference, as well as Top Drawer Soccer All-Region and All-State honors. She was also on the Charlotte Observer All-area team and was recognized with the Brittany Soccer Showcase Team Sportsmanship Award. 
 
"We are really looking forward to Maddy coming in because she's a hard-nosed player, who's committed to doing the work, both defensively and offensively," Tech head coach Chugger Adair said. "She is left-footed by trait and we can see her playing at the centerback or holding mid spot. She's a good, strong ball-winner that will play out. She has a little bit of an attitude and an edge to her game, which we love. I think that's going to fit right into our current group.
 
"She has that blue-collar mentality that we like to have within our team. We think she's going to be a Roy Keane type of player for us – someone that's going to hold down the field for us, ball-win and play out from there. I think she's got great ability to play forward and we're really excited for her to be at Virginia Tech."
 
GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT – Maddy
Name: Madelyn Baucom
Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-7
Hometown: Waxhaw, N.C.
High School: Marvin Ridge High School
 
Other Schools considered: Virginia, Wake Forest, Duke
 
Why did you choose Tech? I chose Virginia Tech because it just felt like home. The coaches and players were very welcoming and the style of play is consistent with how I play. The campus is beautiful and the academics are top notch. The location is an added benefit because it is only three hours from home which allows my family the opportunity to come and watch me play.
 
What was your favorite thing about your visit? I enjoyed touring the athletic facilities and meeting the coaches. 
 
What do you like about the Tech soccer program? I like so many things about the soccer program, but what I like most is that the team is one big, supportive family. 
 
What are your soccer strengths? My greatest strengths are 1v1 defending and that I play equally well with both feet. 
 
Who is your favorite pro player (why)? Julie Ertz (current US Women's National player and NWSL professional). Julie is a tenacious defender with great vision. She isn't afraid to use her body, and her work ethic is amazing. 
 
What is your most memorable soccer moment (why)? My most memorable soccer moment was nationals in California, because we had great success against some very talented teams. We were a very close group and had a lot of fun on and off the field.
 
What do you think you will major in (why)? I think I will major in forensic law/criminal law because I have always been very intrigued and interested in shows and movies that focus on those areas. I also have a family member who is a criminal attorney and I think that line of work will be very interesting and challenging. 
 
What's one thing you'd want Tech fans to know about you? In my free time, I love to swim.