Belle Vernon’s Izzy Laurita commits to Division I soccer program

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Sunday, August 25, 2019 | 4:57 PM

Belle Vernon junior soccer standout Izzy Laurita had a checklist handy when she began the recruiting process.

One college fit the billing quite well.

Laurita announced Sunday she will continue her playing career at Memphis.

“Memphis really checked all the boxes for me, from the coaching staff to the facilities to the campus,” said Laurita, an attacking forward. “It really is an honor to play for a Top-25 school.”

Memphis, which plays in the American Athletic Conference, finished 17-4 last season and ranked No. 15 in the country. The Tigers won the conference tournament but lost to Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

An All-WPIAL player, Laurita plays cup soccer for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy. She said Memphis began recruiting her in January at an Elite Clubs National League showcase.

“I had ongoing discussions with several other Division I programs,” she said. “However, I knew in my heart Memphis was where I wanted to be.”

Laurita scored 33 goals and handed out 20 assists last season for Belle Vernon, which has nine starters back this season.

The Leopards won the Section 2-3A title with a 12-0 record but lost to South Fayette in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs to finish 13-4.

I am extremely excited and blessed to announce my commitment to the University of Memphis! I want to thank my family, friends, teammates, @JasonKutney , and the coaches at the Riverhounds for all of the support throughout the process! #gotigersgo ??@HoundsAcademy pic.twitter.com/euC2I2Ry7d

— izzy laurita (@IzzyLaurita) August 25, 2019

Congratulations to our very own Izzy Laurita on her committment to the University of Memphis! Your hard work and dedication to this sport shows every time you step on the field. We are so proud of you and happy for you! Well deserved. pic.twitter.com/HcLeIjcTfl

— Coach Lovett at BVA HS GIRLS SOCCER (@bvagirlssoccer) August 25, 2019

Congrats to 03 RDA @theECNL MF Izzy Laurita on her commitment to University of Memphis Women’s Soccer! Another LadyHound moving on to the next level ??? https://t.co/qZLs1z7o7i

— The Riverhounds Academy (@HoundsAcademy) August 25, 2019

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Belle Vernon