Thomas’ ‘great mentality and leadership’ will maintain a competitive edge for this new side in Richmond.
Richmond, VA – W League RVA is pleased to announce Keely Thomas will join the team for its inaugural season pending league and federation approval. A Richmond native and former Richmond United player, Thomas plays goalkeeper at Long Island University.
“Keely is a competitor and will bring a great mentality and leadership to our team,” Madeline McCracken said. “We put a big emphasis on character and Keely is a wonderful part of building the culture we want in our locker room. She plays at a high level consistently and we are excited to welcome her to the team!”
Thomas played her redshirt freshman season in Fall 2023 at Long Island University (LIU) after transferring from Longwood University. At LIU, she started every match for the Sharks and did not concede a goal for the first 191 minutes of the season. Thomas ultimately had six shutouts in 2023, seven wins and two draws. She was named Northeast Conference (NEC) Rookie of the Week for the first two weeks of the season and NEC Prime Performer three times.
“Her ability to communicate to the back line and organize from her position, that’s a key part of Keely’s play and her confidence,” LIU Assistant Coach Mel Couzis said of Thomas’s play. “When she’s communicating like that it keeps her in the game and focused and that’s when she shows up and makes big saves.”
Thomas’s skill had been evident throughout her high school career as well. Playing and starting in goal for four seasons at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, Thomas won a state title as a freshman with three straight postseason shutouts, including a 1-0 victory in the championship game over Meridian High School. In her senior season, Thomas was named to the All-Region team for her outstanding play across her career.
The keeper has also represented RVA on various area youth soccer teams since she was two, playing for Richmond United across multiple seasons and through to the summer before her freshman year.
Thomas said coming back to play with some familiar faces will be an additional highlight for her in this opportunity.
“I’m most excited to play with a lot of my old teammates and some new ones at such a high level of play,” Thomas said. “It’s a great opportunity to play a different style and develop in different areas during the summer. My goal during this season is to really take advantage of this pre-professional environment, and the coaches and players involved to develop my abilities and confidence.”
During her time with Richmond United, Thomas helped her club team to four Mid-Atlantic Conference Championships and three recognitions as national semifinalists. Having coached Thomas herself, W League RVA Head Coach Cummings says Thomas brings great leadership skills and a strong presence to the team.
“I have watched Keeley continue to grow over the last two years in her collegiate endeavors, as well as in her time at Richmond United,” Cummings said. “Her overall leadership ability and presence, every time she steps on the pitch, is something I really wanted to capture with our roster this year. Keeley is the type of player that is consistently looking to raise her level; adding her to our goalkeeping department is an important step in pushing the bounds of what can be possible this season!
Thomas says she knows City Stadium well as a fan and is excited to take to the pitch for Richmond soccer fans.
“I grew up watching the Kickers pro team play at City Stadium with my dad,” Thomas said. “I’d never thought I’d be the one playing at the stadium with my dad in the stands, it’s such a full circle moment. Thank you to Richmond Soccer Fans for your initial support and encouragement for the inaugural season of the Richmond W League Team. I think it’s so amazing, the new opportunities in the area that are being offered for women’s soccer development.”
