July 11, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Midfielder Brent Hooper (Bel Air, Md./Archbishop Curley High School) will enroll at Villanova this fall after spending one year at Virginia Tech University it was announced today. Hooper retains three years of eligibility and can play in games this fall.

"We're really excited to have Brent join us at Villanova," says Villanova first year head coach Tom Carlin. "I got to know Brent while recruiting him to Northwestern and he is the kind of player we want in our program. He is a tough, aggressive, hardnosed player and a great passer. We think he can bring us a winning edge."

Hooper was voted one of the 100 freshmen to watch by Soccer America in 2007 and went on to appear in 17 games for the Hokies, who advanced to the College Cup NCAA semifinals, where they fell to Wake Forest in the semifinals. He completed the campaign with one goal and three assists for a total of five points.

Prior to 2007, Hooper established himself as a top prospect in the Mid-Atlantic region through his efforts at Archbishop Curley High School and for Baltimore Casa Mia Bays on the club circuit. In 2006, Hooper helped Casa Mia Bays secure a national championship and was also a two-year participant in the Maryland Olympic Development program.

Villanova opens the 2008 campaign against Temple at home on Aug. 29 at 4:00 p.m.