June 25, 2016
Nine freshmen will be joining the Vandy soccer team this fall. Get to know the crew before they make their Commodore debut!
Full name: Kaylann Renley Boyd
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Position: Forward
Age you started playing soccer: Four years old
A few words that describe the way you play soccer: Being a forward, I tend to like when my back is towards the goal and I love shooting outside of the 18.
List of records set: 2nd most goals in a season, most assists in a season for high school for Greater Atlanta Christian.
Why did you decide to come to Vanderbilt? I fell in love with the school and had faith in the soccer program to succeed.
Has another family member played a college/pro sport? My dad played basketball at Wake Forest and my older brother plays basketball at Lee University.
Other interesting facts about yourself: I love art (drawing, painting, sculpture) and my older brother saved my life when I was drowning in a pool at age three.
Why did you pick your jersey number?: Honestly, I just chose it at random! But I liked it because it’s a backwards 12 and everyone in my family was 12.
When I was a kid I tried to be like: Hilary Duff and preform mini concerts in the living room with my family.
What would you do if you won the lottery: I would give a ton of the money to The City of Children in Ensenada, Mexico, which is where I spent my high school spring breaks serving the Orphans and then go shop with the rest!
The thing that impresses you most about Coach Ambrose: Coach Ambrose is one of the most truthful coaches I have ever met. I have learned something new from him and his assistants each time I talk to them. I am extremely excited about the season and many more learning opportunities.
Favorite sport other than soccer: Basketball, because that’s the sport that I grew up watching and playing. However, I also love baseball!
Favorite musical performer: Keith Urban
Favorite Sports team: Golden State
The one pro player you wished was your teammate: Lionel Messi or Alex Morgan
Favorite midnight snack: Cereal (Special K)
Dream Date (person): Justin Timberlake <3
My soccer “dream team” would be: Women’s US National Team
The best tasting food I can make: Guacamole
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Stephen Curry
Favorite thing to do away from soccer: Go to the lake or the beach with family and friends
One thing my hometown is famous for: The weather will either be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Coca-Cola, Julia Roberts, Zac Brown Band
My best non-athletic talent: Drawing, painting, and sculpting
Favorite aspect of Nashville: The country music and shopping
Superstitions: I don’t have any as of now but most likely will start some when I get to Vanderbilt.
The person I’d love to trade places with for a day: Selena Gomez
Full name: Lauren Elizabeth DeMarchi
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Position: Goalkeeper
Age you started playing soccer: Four years old
Your Favorite soccer player: Manuel Neuer, Petr Cech
A few words that describe the way I play soccer: I try to use my athleticism to my benefit. I play high off my line and aggressive in order to come out and get loose balls.
List of records set: Tied for the school record for the most career shutouts (38). Finished with an undefeated 4-year record of 84-0-7. Listed among the top 4 teams in the nation for all 4 years
Why did you decide to come to Vanderbilt? The academic challenges combined with the opportunity to play soccer for a growing program was impossible to pass up. Vanderbilt provides me a chance to play in the SEC under a great coaching staff with a drive to succeed. I see that this program has the potential to have an incredibly bright future, and I want to help add to the future legacy that is Vanderbilt soccer.
Has another family member played a college/pro sport? My brother Matt played college soccer for John Carroll in Ohio. My brother Jeff played soccer for High Point University in North Carolina.
What impresses you most about Coach Ambrose and his staff? He cares more about shaping his athletes into the best people they can be, not just the best soccer players.
What’s your favorite part about Vanderbilt? The important balance between great academics and great athletics.
Who would be on your soccer “Dream Team”? My dream team would have Neuer in goal, Messi and Zlatan up top. Bale, Xavi, Ronaldinho, & Zidane in the midfield, and Pique, Sergio Ramos, Puyol & David Luiz in the back.
Favorite Sports team: Cleveland Cavaliers
The one pro player you wished was your teammate: Messi
I picked my jersey number because: #1 has always been my number growing up
When I was a kid I tried to be like: My oldest brother, Matt. He is 10 years older and a goalkeeper as well so I always wanted to be just like him.
What I need to improve on: Confidence catching flighted balls in the box
Favorite sport other than soccer: Volleyball
Favorite musical performer: The Killers
Favorite movie: About Time
Nobody can believe I watch this TV show: Family Feud
Favorite thing about yourself: I am crazy competitive and I hate losing at anything
Worst habit: I hold my fork like a shovel
My bucket list includes: Holding a koala bear and learning to scuba dive
Dream Date (person): Ryan Reynolds
The best tasting food I can make: Fried Ramen Noodles
Favorite midnight snack: Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: LeBron James
Favorite thing to do away from soccer: Watching movies with my friends and family
I’m as good as anyone at: Wii Tennis
One thing my hometown is famous for: A Christmas Story
My best non-athletic talent: Catching food in my mouth
The person I’d love to trade places with for a day: JK Rowling
Superstitions: I have to tough the crossbar after every goal and wear my lucky hair tie
What I would do if I won the lottery: Buy myself a tropical beach house and travel the world
