April 2, 2018
NASHVILLE–Vanderbilt soccer and head coach Darren Ambrose welcomed three additions to the Commodores’ 2018 signing class on Monday, with Karissa King, Blair McDonald and Sarah O’Neal joining the program. The trio of high school seniors joins Madi Allen, Mairin Boyle, Peyton Cutshall, Raegan Kelley and Ella Shamburger, completing the Commodores’ eight-member signing class.
The Dores are coming off an historic season and postseason run in 2017, posting a record of 13-7-2 (6-3-1 SEC) in Ambrose’s third year leading the team. Vanderbilt finished fourth in the SEC standings, made the SEC Tournament semifinals, reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006 and won an NCAA Tournament match for the first time since 1998. The team’s 2018 season begins in August.
Introducing the three newest members of Vanderbilt’s 2018 signing class:
Coach Ambrose on Karissa King: “Karissa possesses elite level quickness and speed. She is a wide player who loves running at people. With the ball at her feet she has an intensity to her play that is fun to watch.”
Bio:
- Born January 8, 2000 in San Diego, Calif.
- Full Name: Karissa Jayne King
- Nickname: King
- Parents: Jim and Christi King
- Has four siblings: Kayla, Kollin, Konner and Keira
Personal:
- Chose Vanderbilt because “I really love the feel of the campus and love my coaches.”
- Favorite sports teams are FC Barcelona and the Sacramento Kings.
- Favorite sports other than soccer are gymnastics and volleyball.
- Favorite soccer player is Messi.
- Favorite movie is Secretariat.
- Enjoys camping, surfing, knitting and snowboarding
- Chose Vanderbilt over Columbia, Gonzaga, Oregon State and UC-Irvine.
Coach Ambrose on Blair McDonald: “Blair is another of our southern California recruits who has elite speed and a tenacious approach to defending. She has played in several positions in the backline for her club team, and we feel she has the qualities to mature into a phenomenal back in our program over time.”
Bio:
- Born December 7, 1999 in Los Angeles, Calif.
- Full Name: Blair Nicole McDonald
- Nickname: B
- Parents: Keith and Lori McDonald
- Has one sibling, Myles
- Twitter: @Blair_nicoleee
On-Field Accomplishments
- 2017 First-Team All-Mission League
- Two-year team captain at the Chadwick School (2016-17)
- Member of Slammers FC Newport Beach club team
Personal:
- Chose Vanderbilt because “I respect the program that Coach Ambrose is trying to build, and I was excited to be a part of something so special.”
- Favorite sports team is USC football. Favorite sport other than soccer is track and field.
- Favorite soccer player is Marcelo Vieira.
- Father Keith McDonald played five seasons in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and Houston Oilers. Brother Myles runs track at UC-Santa Barbara.
- Favorite movie is Shrek 2. Favorite musical performer is Migos.
- Enjoys hip-hop dancing and short story writing.
Coach Ambrose on Sarah O’Neal: “Sarah has a very high soccer IQ. Her movement off of the ball is very effective and is a big reason why she scores so many goals from her attacking midfield spot. The combination of her intelligence and her technical ability make her a dangerous attacking player.”
Bio:
- Born September 20, 1999
- Full Name: Sarah Elizabeth O’Neal
- Parents: Michael and Lynn O’Neal
- Has four siblings: Megan, Emily, Rachel and Joseph
- Twitter: @SarahEONeal
On-Field Accomplishments
- 2017 State Champion with Highland Park High School
- 2017 Honorable Mention All-State
- 2017 District Midfielder of the Year
- Three-time First-Team All-District (2015-17)
- Two-time All-Area First-Team (2016-17)
- Three-time Highland Park High School Team MVP (2015-17)
- 2017 Team Captain for Highland Park High School
- Cornerstone Scholar Athlete
Personal:
- Chose Vanderbilt because “It is a highly esteemed college that provides an amazing education in an entertaining and lively city.”
- Favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys. Favorite sport other than soccer is basketball.
- Favorite soccer player is Messi, favorite athlete in another sport is Steph Curry.
- Favorite movie is Harry Potter. Favorite musical performer is Halsey.
- Sister Emily played soccer at Nebraska, sister Rachel played soccer at Missouri S&T.
- Chose Vanderbilt over TCU.
