Arkansas women’s soccer adds transfer from Villanova

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Via University of Arkansas) — The University of Arkansas Razorback soccer team and head coach Colby Hale announced another addition for the 2019 season as defender Mandi Wilson will join Arkansas by way of Villanova.

Wilson, a Germantown, Maryland native, was an active player for the Wildcats during the 2016 and 2017 seasons and has appeared in 34 matches during her career while making 26 starts. Wilson has totaled 2,485 minutes on the pitch and also scored one goal with two assists for four points.

“We are excited to welcome Mandi to the team,” Hale said. “She is an exceptional player, person and student. She is a great fit and we can’t wait to get her here.”

Wilson made an impact in her first season at Villanova starting 16 of 18 games on the back line in 2016, totaling 1,509 minutes. She also scored her first career goal against Saint Joseph’s (Sept. 9, 2016) and was part of a Villanova defense that contributed to a shutout over Seton Hall (Oct. 28, 2016).

In 2017, Wilson made 10 starts in 16 appearances, eight coming in Big East play. She tallied 638 of her 976 minutes in league play and dished out assists against Marquette (Sept. 28, 2017) and Seton Hall (Oct. 5, 2017).

Before college, Wilson was a member of the Maryland United Coyotes from 2009-16 and played for Maryland United ECNL. She was part of a USYS National Championship team in 2012 and was a Region I Premier League finalist in 2014 and 2015. She also was a member of the Maryland State ODP team and Region I ODP team from 2011-13 and attended the 2013 US ODP National Team camp.

In high school at Good Counsel, Wilson earned four varsity letters where she was a three-time ACAC All-Conference selection and a two-time all-state honoree (2014-15). She helped her team to four WCAC championships (2012-15) and was a member of the National Honor Society along with being a President’s List/Honor Roll member and AP Scholar with Honors.