Vaila Barsley had plenty of reasons to celebrate after she was called up to Scotland’s women’s national team. (Photo courtesy of St. John’s University SID)
Former St. John’s University standout Vaila Barsley has been called up to the Scotland women’s national team ahead of the squad’s match at Belgium April 11.
Vaila received the nod after playing with Eskilstuna United in Sweden for the past four seasons and catching the eye of the Scottish national coach Anna Signeul.
“We’ve looked at Vaila for some time and she has been doing well in Sweden,” Signeul said in a statement.
During her four years in Sweden, Barsley helped the team elevate from the country’s second-tier league to the top league before the end of her first season. In 46 matches with Eskilstuna United, Barsley tallied eight goals as a center back.
A defender at St. John’s from 2006-09, Barsley was a part of the program’s first NCAA Division I Tournament team in 2009. The Great Yarmouth, England native collected numerous accolades during her time with the Red Storm, including 2006 National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Northeast Region second team honors, 2006 All-Big East third team honors and 2006 NSCAA freshman All-American third team recognition.
Barsley accepted the Red Storm’s graduate assistant position. During the summer of 2012, Barsley played for the Long Island Rough Riders and was named to the W-League team of the year, which led to a spot on Peamount United in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. That’s where she spent the rest of 2012 and 2013 before signing with Eskilstuna United prior to the 2014 season.
“Well deserved recognition for a true professional. Genuine passion for the game @vailab23 @StJohnsWSoccer St. John’s head coach Ian Stone said on Twitter.
