Ethan Zaporowski, Nick Laffey and Noah Uwimana make up the crew, who will join the Hokies in the fall from high school. Mark Esco, Ethan Hackenberg And Marco Westerholm He joined the program before spring training.
Ethan Czaporowski
Belchertown, Mass
Boston Bolts
in the future
Zaporowski joined Tech with a state-championship seed after playing for Belchertown High School. In the year In 2019, he captured the state title with his school, being named team MVP and Player of the Year in his freshman campaign. Outside of school, Zaporowski played for MLS’s Next Boston Bolts.
NICK LAFFEY
Germantown, MD.
Baltimore Armory
in the future
Laffey joins Tech as a highly decorated scorer from the DC area. He was named the 2021 DC Gatorade Player of the Year, first-team All-Met and the 2021 WCAC Player of the Year during his season as the state runner-up at St. John’s College High School. Laffey plays for MLS side Baltimore Armour.
NOE UWIMANA
Austin, Texas
Philadelphia Union
Winger
Uwimana continues the trend of Philadelphia Union youth talent heading to Blacksburg after graduating from the YSC Academy. The Austin, Texas native was part of the Philadelphia Union that claimed the next MLS title in 2022 with a 3-2 win over Columbus. With experience in the youth system, Uwimana trained with Philadelphia’s first team.
Marcos Esco
Heredia, Costa Rica
CS Herediano
in the future
Mark Esco He joined Tech after competing for CS Herediano in Costa Rica’s first division. Historic club Herediano owns 29 league titles, the third most in league history. Esco worked his way through the team’s youth system before making his first team debut last fall.
Ethan Hackenberg
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Average
Hackenberg joins Tech following stints with Coastal Carolina, Florida Gulf Coast and CCBC Essex. The Pennsylvania native had an impressive season during his most recent stint with CCBC Essex, scoring 16 goals and allowing 12 assists, a United Soccer Coaches All-American campaign. In two seasons with Coastal Carolina, Hackenberg scored twice – both game-winning goals.
Marco Westerholm
Hinnerup, Denmark
Randers F.C
Average
Westerholm joins the Hokies after four seasons with Elon, where he started 35 games for Phoenix, including the 2022 NCAA Tournament appearance. The Danish midfielder scored once and had three assists against Elon. In 2021, Westerholm received the Team Leadership Award. He managed four youth sides for Randers FC before reaching the college football stage.