Richmond, Virginia, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The University of Richmond women’s soccer team celebrates freshman Emma Newman earning the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week title. After an impressive season opener against VMI, where she scored four goals and provided an assist, Newman made an immediate impact, leading the team in points. This achievement not only marks her first collegiate accolade but also highlights the team’s promising start to the season as they prepare for their next match against East Carolina.
Richmond, Virginia – The University of Richmond women’s soccer team has announced that freshman Emma Newman has earned the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week title following her record-setting debut. This recognition represents the first weekly award in Newman’s collegiate career and the first A-10 Rookie of the Week honor for the Spiders since Emma Coleman received the title on September 13, 2021.
Newman, hailing from Mission Viejo, California, made an impressive entrance into college soccer with a stellar performance during the season-opening match against VMI on August 14, 2025. She tied the program’s single-game record by netting four goals and contributing an assist, totaling nine points in a commanding 5-0 victory. This victory also marked the most goals scored in a season opener in the program’s history and the first five-goal game since September 11, 2019.
In the match against VMI, Newman quickly made her mark by scoring at 3 minutes, 8 minutes, and again at 14 minutes, before assisting Kingsley Hughes for a fourth goal in the 62nd minute. Newman rounded off her record night with her fourth goal at 70 minutes. Additionally, she took eight shots during the game, with seven on target, showcasing her offensive capabilities by also being responsible for the game-winning goal.
Following the VMI match, Newman continued her performance by registering an additional four shots with two on goal in a subsequent match against Coastal Carolina, which ended in a narrow 1-0 loss for the Spiders. At present, Newman leads the Spiders with four goals, nine points, and 12 total shots across both matches.
The Richmond women’s soccer team will continue their homestand, facing East Carolina on Thursday, August 21, at 5 p.m. at President’s Field, as they look to build on their strong start to the season.
Newman’s debut was closely supported by goalkeeper Veronica Rrapi, who made her collegiate debut in the match against VMI, recording eight saves and securing her first career shutout. The Spiders had a commanding performance in terms of offensive pressure, holding a 19-10 edge in shots and an 8-0 advantage in corner kicks against VMI.
Head Coach Adam Denton is entering his third season with the Spiders, which features a roster that includes eight freshmen and two spring transfers for the 2025 season. Richmond was selected to finish 12th in the Atlantic 10 Conference Preseason Poll, making Newman’s immediate impact all the more crucial as the team seeks to improve its standing.
Match Scoring Breakdown
- 3′ – Emma Newman (unassisted)
- 8′ – Emma Newman (assisted by Brigitte Bussiere)
- 14′ – Emma Newman (unassisted)
- 62′ – Kingsley Hughes (assisted by Emma Newman)
- 70′ – Emma Newman (unassisted)
Key Team Statistics
| Statistic | VMI Match |
|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 5 |
| Shots On Goal | 19 |
| Corner Kicks | 8 |
| Saves by Goalkeeper | 8 |
FAQ
Who is Emma Newman?
Emma Newman is a freshman soccer player from Mission Viejo, California, who plays for the University of Richmond women’s soccer team.
What achievement did Emma Newman recently earn?
Emma Newman was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week after her record-setting collegiate debut.
What did Newman accomplish in her first match?
In her debut match against VMI, Newman scored four goals, assisted one, and contributed to a 5-0 victory which tied the program’s single-game record.
When is Richmond’s next soccer match?
The Spiders will face East Carolina on August 21, at 5 p.m. at President’s Field.
What was Richmond’s performance like in the match against VMI?
The Spiders recorded a dominant performance with 19 shots, 8 corner kicks, and secured a clean sheet with a shutout from goalkeeper Veronica Rrapi.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Richmond Spiders: Newman Tabbed A-10 Rookie of the Week
- Wikipedia: Atlantic 10 Conference
- Richmond Spiders: Newman’s Record-Tying Four Goals
- Google Search: Emma Newman soccer
- Richmond Spiders: Spiders Blanked by Coastal Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Richmond Spiders: Richmond Athletics Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Class
- Google News: Richmond Spiders women’s soccer
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