A redshirt freshman, Brown returns to the River City as an intuitive force in the midfield.
RICHMOND, Va. — W League RVA is pleased to announce that University of Tennessee midfielder and former Richmond United player Dakota Brown will join the team in its inaugural season pending league and federation approval.
“I was beyond excited when I heard I was getting the opportunity to play for this team,” Brown said. “Richmond has always been my second home and I can’t wait to play with new people and even some of my old teammates this season. I am most excited to play on a team with high quality players that will not only make me better but inspire young girls all around the area. Opportunities like this don’t come around often and I want to make the most of it for myself and the fans!”
Originally from Culpeper, Va., Brown played for Richmond United throughout her high school career. She was ranked No. 46 overall and the No. 19 midfielder by Top Drawer Soccer and IMG Academy. With Richmond United, she won four Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Conference Championships.
In 2020, Brown was one of only 36 players nationwide to earn a roster spot and play in the ECNL National Selection Game. Additionally, she earned an invitation to the 2019 ECNL National Training Camp in Portland.
“Dakota is a creative midfielder that solves the game with her soccer intelligence,” W League RVA Head Coach Kimmy Cummings said. “Her personality on the ball allows her to connect with other midfielders in possession which will suit the overall style of play fans can expect to see in City Stadium. She has experience at many different levels within the game and I’m excited to have her joining the roster!”
In 2021, Brown was named to the ECNL All-Conference Mid-Atlantic Team and she was invited to the 2021 U.S. Youth National Team Regional ID Camp. After attending that, she received another invitation, this time to the 2021 U-18/19 U.S. Women’s National Team Virtual Camp.
“Dakota has all of the attributes you look for in a midfielder,” Sporting Director Madeline McCracken said. “She is tenacious, athletic, and tough. She is a technical player who suits our player profile in every way. She has the ability to be a game changer when she is on the field. Dakota will provide us with versatility in the middle of the field as well as depth and diversity in many areas of an already talented roster.”
Brown is currently a sophomore at Tennessee but remains a redshirt freshman. The Virginia native only appeared in four matches in 2022 to maintain her eligibility. Despite her limited play, Brown still made an early impact for the Lady Volunteers. On Aug. 31, 2022, she made her collegiate debut to help Tennessee snag the win over Bowling Green and returned to the pitch on Sept. 11 of that same year to shut out Queens University of Charlotte.
“Dakota’s composure, her ability to maintain possession as the six, and her ability to intervene and intercept balls with her speed, quickness, and anticipation when we’re out of possession are all things that stood out to us,” Lady Vols Head Coach Joe Kirt said of his midfielder and what has stood out to him throughout her time in Tennessee. “Both in and out of possession we feel she plays at a really high level.”
