Naples Soccer Academy names Alia Skinner academy program director

By AI, Created 10:41 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Naples Soccer Academy on May 1, 2026, appointed former Virginia Tech goalkeeper Alia Skinner as its new academy program director. The Southwest Florida nonprofit says the hire supports its club-neutral training model for female youth soccer players.

Why it matters: - Naples Soccer Academy is adding a former Division I and professional goalkeeper to lead its academy programming for female youth players in Southwest Florida. - The hire supports the nonprofit’s club-neutral model, which is designed to give athletes high-level training regardless of club affiliation. - The move could strengthen player development, mentorship and retention for girls’ soccer in the region.

What happened: - Naples Soccer Academy on May 1, 2026, named Alia Skinner as its new Academy Program Director. - The nonprofit is a club-neutral 501(c)(3) organization focused on advancing female youth soccer training and development in Southwest Florida. - Executive Director Jason Gruner said Skinner’s experience, leadership and passion for developing female athletes make her a strong fit for the role. - Skinner said she is excited to join an organization focused on player development and to help athletes grow in technical ability, confidence, mindset and love for the game.

The details: - Skinner’s playing background includes stops with the Houston Dash, Brommapojkarna in Sweden and Knattspyrnufélagið Fram in Iceland in 2024. - During her time in Iceland, Skinner joined Fram in the summer transfer window with the team in eighth place. - Skinner started the next five matches, recorded two clean sheets and helped the team go 5-0 in that stretch. - Fram finished second and earned promotion to the top division. - At Virginia Tech from 2020 to 2023, Skinner was a four-year starting goalkeeper. - Skinner finished her college career with 235 saves and an 82.3% save percentage in 2023, the second-best mark in the ACC that season. - Her honors include National Player of the Week, two ACC Defensive Player of the Week awards and selection to the College Soccer News Women’s Team of the Week. - Skinner also attended U.S. Youth National Team camps at the U-20, U-16 and U-14 levels. - She was part of the U-16 team that won the Torneo Delle Nazioni. - Naples Soccer Academy says it continues to expand its impact across Southwest Florida by providing high-level training opportunities for female athletes, regardless of club affiliation.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals that Naples Soccer Academy is leaning on a coach and leader with both professional and collegiate credibility. - Skinner’s background as a goalkeeper may shape how the academy approaches development, competition and confidence-building for young players. - The nonprofit’s emphasis on athlete-first training suggests the academy is positioning itself as an alternative to club-centered development pathways.

What’s next: - Skinner will lead the academy program as Naples Soccer Academy enters its next chapter. - The organization is expected to continue building programming for female athletes in Naples and the broader Southwest Florida area. - Naples Soccer Academy will keep promoting elite training, mentorship and player development in a club-neutral environment.