The former Richmond United player and Virginia native made an ECNL ID roster at 13.
RICHMOND, Va. — W League RVA is pleased to announce that James Madison University (JMU) midfielder and former Richmond United player Ella Stanley will join the team in its inaugural season pending league and federation approval.
“Having this opportunity means so much to me,” Stanley said. “When taking on this role, you have the ability to inspire others and give and receive so much love to fans, family, friends, etc… I cannot wait to get started and play for a team that will impact my level in the game and provide tools for the future.”
From Beaverdam, Va., Stanley has played soccer in Virginia — and in the Richmond region in particular — her whole life. The JMU freshman played in 18 of the Dukes’ 22 games this season. Immediately after arriving on campus, Stanley made her collegiate debut against Charlotte in the season opener and her first collegiate start against the University of North Carolina Greensboro — both of which resulted in JMU wins.
“Ella’s poise on the ball in possession and ability to outsmart attackers with her proactive defensive movement makes her a strong addition to the roster,” W League RVA Head Coach Kimmy Cummings said. “She is the type of player that will do everything asked of her, and then some. Her ability to read the game to win the ball higher up the field will help generate attacks that are sure to bring excitement for fans!”
Stanley entered at the half in her debut against Charlotte and contributed to the JMU attack that would score three goals in her time on the pitch while only conceding one. The Dukes went on to beat the 49ers 3-2 in that match.
In her two later starts against Old Dominion and Texas State, Stanley helped to control the middle of the pitch defensively and keep the ball out of JMU’s back third earning two clean sheets for the Dukes.
“Ella is a Richmond youth soccer legend and I’m excited for her to be part of this new summer soccer team in the River City,” JMU Head Coach Josh Walters said. “In Ella, Richmond is getting a technical, press resistant player who loves to draw the defender in and skate by them. She always shows up for training with a smile ready to work.”
Before college, Stanley made herself known on the club level, earning a roster spot in the 2018 ECNL ID Camp at just 13 years old. She played for Richmond United throughout her ECNL club career.
In 2021, Stanley was called up to the US U-17 WNT Camp, the YNT Regional ID Camp and she made ECNL All-Conference Mid-Atlantic Honors. Before she left for JMU, Stanley and her squad made a trip to the 2023 ECNL Girls Playoffs where she made the Best XI of the tournament.
“Ella is a player we are very excited about and we feel that she fits perfectly within the style of soccer we want to play,” Sporting Director Madeline McCracken said. “Her vision, range of passing and confidence in possession will be a huge asset for us this season. She’s an exceptional teammate who will fit seamlessly into our group. We’re thrilled to welcome her to W League RVA!”
