William & Mary women’s soccer team adds 7 to the Tribe from Class of 2025

WILLIAMSBURG, VA — William & Mary women’s soccer head coach Julie Shackford has announced a seven-player class that will be joining the program this fall.

The following players have signed with William & Mary ahead of their arrival this summer — Mia Abbey, Sienna Balardeta, Sophia Dallara, Gwen Doughty, Ella Ledwith, Ellie Leffler and Ava Reybitz.

Shackford on the incoming class: “We can’t wait to welcome our 2025 class to campus! This is a special group—full of talent, personality, and drive. They’ve already formed strong bonds with one another and embody the character and values that define the Tribe women’s soccer program. We’re confident they will make an immediate impact and help continue to elevate the standard of our program.”

Mia Abbey
Midfielder
Elmer, NJ | Bishop Eustace
RUSA/FC Delco

High School/Club:
· HS Varsity Captain 2024
· RUSA Captain 2024
· All Conference 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
· All South Jersey 2022, 2023, 2024
· Top 20 NJ 2023, 2024
· All State 2023, 2024
· All Region 2024
· Player of Year 2024
· Best XI USYS National Championship 2022

Why W&M? “I chose William & Mary because of the heartwarming coaches and environment. The girls on the team were so nice and welcoming they made me feel at home. I loved the campus and the people are amazing.”

Shackford on Abbey: “Mia is a dynamic, goal-scoring midfielder with exceptional technical ability and creativity on the ball. Her vision, work rate, and attacking instincts consistently challenge defenders and create scoring opportunities. As the youngest player to compete in the 7v7 TST in North Carolina last year, she showcased maturity beyond her years and proved she has the skillset and mentality to make a significant impact at the next level.”

Sienna Balardeta
Wide Defender
Encinitas, CA | San Dieguito Academy
Legends FC San Diego

High School/Club:
· All League First Team 2025, 2025
· Varsity Captain 2024, 2025
· Defensive MVP 2023
· Offensive MVP 2024
· Leading Scorer 2024
· CIF Championship Finalist 2025
· 4x Scholar Athlete

Why W&M? “I chose William & Mary because the moment I stepped on campus I felt at home. I had always loved the east coast, but this area specifically stood out to me. I loved the atmosphere of William & Mary; I felt the purpose of the students walking on campus, the togetherness of the girls on the team, and the support of the coaches and staff. I love that I can be challenged academically, while playing the sport I love at such a high level. I was set on this school the day I discovered it, and I’m so excited to represent the Tribe as a student-athlete!”

Shackford on Balardeta: “Sienna is a true left-footed player who adds valuable versatility to our squad. She’s comfortable playing anywhere up and down the left flank, whether breaking up plays as a defender or creating chances higher up the pitch. Her athleticism, calmness under pressure, and soccer IQ are things we really value in our build-up and transition game.”

Sophia Dallara
Midfielder
Ramsey, NJ | Ramsey HS
Cedar Stars

High School/Club:
· Varsity Captain 2024
· First Team All-Conference 2022, 2023, 2024
· Second Team All-County 2023
· First Team All-County 2024
· Second Team All State 2024
· All State Sectional Honors 2022, 2023
· Top 20 Player in NJ North 1 Region
· NJ State Champion 2023
· Bergen County Champions 2024
· Sectional Champion 2023, 2024
· All-time Assist Leader Ramsey HS

Why W&M? “I chose William & Mary because it encompassed both an excellence in academics and high-level competitive soccer. I was looking for a school where I could succeed both in the classroom and on the field. Also, the beautiful campus in Williamsburg has a comforting atmosphere where I feel like I can grow as a student, an athlete, and an overall person.”

Shackford on Dallara: “Sophia established herself as one of the top midfielders in New Jersey while playing for one of the most successful high school programs in the state. She’s known for her exceptional technical ability and playmaking instincts, consistently creating dangerous scoring chances for herself and her teammates. With her vision and game awareness on both sides of the ball, we’re excited to watch her make the jump to the college level.”

Gwen Doughty
Goalkeeper
Lakeridge, VA | Woodbridge HS
Braddock Road/Arlington SA

High School/Club:
· 2nd Team All-Conference 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
· 2nd Team All-Conference ECNL
· Varsity HS Captain 2022, 2023, 2024

Why W&M? “I chose William and Mary because I felt so welcomed and wanted by the students, athletes, and coaches. The community is unlike any other school I have seen. I was also looking for a balance of athletics and academics without sacrificing either and I really feel I found that in William & Mary.”

Shackford on Doughty: “Gwen is proudly continuing the Doughty family legacy at William & Mary, following in the footsteps of her mom, Marci ’96, dad, Baker ’96, and sister, Zoe ’23 — all of whom excelled both on the field and in goal for the Tribe. Gwen is an exceptionally talented and athletic goalkeeper, equipped with all the skills needed to thrive at the Division I level.

Known for her confident presence in the back, Gwen also brings versatility to the team, occasionally coming off the bench as an attacking substitute and even finding the back of the net herself! We are incredibly excited to watch her growth and impact as she carries forward the Doughty tradition at W&M.”

Ella Ledwith
Midfielder
West New Hyde Park, NY | Herricks HS
SUSA

High School/Club:
· Captain HS Varsity 2024
· Captain SUSA 2020-2025
· All County Honorable Mention 2021
· All County 2022, 2023, 2024
· All State 2024
· All Long Island 2024
· MVP Varsity Team 2023, 2024
· ECNL Nationals Best XI 2023

Why W&M? “I chose William & Mary because of the amazing community and academic excellence that the school offers. In addition, William & Mary is a beautiful place and I can’t wait to spend my next four years there. As an incoming student athlete, I’m especially excited to grow both on and off the field; and be a part of a program that truly feels like home.

Shackford on Ledwith: Ella possesses a remarkable blend of skill and relentless work rate that ensures she makes an impact every time she steps onto the field. As a true two-way player, she is equally adept at driving forward to ignite an attack as she is at tracking back with determination to recover possession defensively. Her competitive mindset fuels her ball-winning ability, physicality, and mental toughness, providing an excellent foundation for success at the collegiate level.

Ellie Leffler
Forward
Mohnton, PA | Governor Mifflin HS
Reading Rage Surf

High School/Club:
· HS Varsity Captain 2024
· Honorable Mention All county 2021
· First team All Division 2022, 2023, 2024
· All State 2023, 2024
· Berks County Player of Year 2022
· All County Lacrosse 2025
· 65 Goals 20 Assts HS Career

Why W&M? “I chose William & Mary because as soon as I visited the campus it felt like home. I fell in love with the coaches and the players made me feel so comfortable and welcomed!”

Shackford on Leffler: “Ellie is a gifted forward with the ability to score goals in a variety of ways. Her speed and athleticism pose a constant challenge for any back line when she has space to run into, but she is equally dangerous dropping deep into midfield and creating plays from a deeper position. Her energy and competitive fire consistently inspire her teammates, and we’re excited to see her continue putting the ball in the net for the Tribe!”

Ava Reybitz
Forward/Midfielder
Bethlehem, PA | Notre Dame Academy/Perkiomen HS
Keystone FC/MatchFit Surf

High School/Club:
· Varsity MVP & Leading Scorer 2023
· Varsity MVP & Leading Scorer 2024
· League & District Medalist Track & Field 2023, 2024

Why W&M? “I chose William & Mary because I saw it being the best fit for me as a student and an athlete. William & Mary is one of the few schools that offers both academic excellence and competitive soccer at the highest level. With the coaches being alumni, there is a special family dynamic that contributes to the positive culture of the team. The values of the coaching staff align with what I am looking for in a program. I could not be more excited to call William & Mary my home!”

Shackford on Reybitz: “Ava joined us late in the recruiting process after spending several years playing for a smaller club with less exposure. From the moment we saw her play, we were impressed by her exceptional athleticism, speed, and fierce battle mentality on the field. Few players are as driven and committed as Ava, willing to do whatever it takes to succeed at the next level. We believe her journey is only just beginning!”

The Tribe’s 2025 schedule, as well as tickets, will be announced later this summer.