May 18, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two pieces from powerhouse ACC clubs, including last year’s national champ, are headed to West End.
On Monday, Vanderbilt soccer coach Darren Ambrose announced the addition of midfielder Kacy Scarpa and defender Danae O’Halloran. Scarpa won a national championship with Florida State in November, and O’Halloran helped North Carolina share the ACC regular-season championship with FSU and reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Combined, the duo has played in 11 NCAA Tournament games in the past two years. Both will be eligible to play immediately this fall for the Commodores.
“We are thrilled to have players of the caliber of Danae and Kacy joining our program this fall,” Ambrose said. “They both possess a strong mentality and have experience in first-class programs, which will help as we continue to create a highly competitive culture at Vanderbilt.”
Scarpa, a redshirt junior from Lakeland, Fla., played in 22 games in two years at FSU. She notched a goal and had two assists while playing in 11 games for the Seminoles in 2014. She also contributed to a defense that allowed just nine goals all year — the second fewest in the country. She played in eight NCAA Tournament games, including three this past year as the Seminoles captured the national championship.
She was surrounded by a winning environment in Tallahassee, Fla. In her three years at FSU, including her redshirt season in 2012, the Seminoles won a national title, played in two NCAA championship games, three Final Fours and won two ACC regular-season and tournament championships.
Scarpa impressed off the field as well as she was named to FSU’s President’s List, Dean’s List and the ACC Academic Honor Roll twice.
“Kacy brings a composure and workman-like mentality to our midfield, which will be a great asset this fall,” Ambrose said.
O’Halloran, a redshirt sophomore from Toms River, N.J., played in 20 games and made two starts at North Carolina last fall. After redshirting her first year, she jumped into the fold right away in 2014, playing in every game for the Tar Heels, including all three NCAA Tournament games. She picked up her first career assist in a 3-2 victory over No. 5 Virginia Tech, and she was a key component of a stingy defense that allowed only 15 goals.
Though she sat out in 2013, she also was around the team as it reached the Elite Eight. She was also named to the 2013-14 ACC Academic Honor Roll.
“Danae is a terrific athlete and fierce competitor and will help strengthen our backline immediately,” Ambrose said.
The Commodores begin their first season under Ambrose on Aug. 21 against Miami-Ohio at home at the VU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.