Meghan Dalton ’17 will continue her soccer career at Bryant University.

Meghan Dalton KO ’17 with her family at signing day. Submitted photo

Submitted by John Nestor, Kingswood Oxford School

Kingswood Oxford senior goalie Meghan Dalton ’17 made it official Friday that she is continuing her soccer career at Bryant University.

Dalton will play for coach Andy Biggs this fall when she begins her career as a Bulldog.

“When I visited there and met with coach Biggs and some of the players on the team, it felt like the right fit,” Dalton said. “I got along with coach Biggs and had a good connection with the players on the team I met.”

Meghan played for the Wyverns for three seasons, missing her junior campaign due to injury, and in that time helped lead the team to a pair of New England quarterfinal appearances.

“As a player, she is good in the air, and communicates effectively with her back line. She also has a great punt,” said KO assistant coach Kelly McDonough.

Meghan was also a standout for the club team Oakwood SC of the NPL. She was named OPI MVP and Oakwood was the OPI champions in 2014. Meghan helped Oakwood to a NEWSS runner-up finish and repeat OPI championship in 2015 and Oakwood went on to win the NEWSS championship in 2016.

“Meghan has turned into one of my favorite goalkeepers ever to coach. Over the years, I’ve seen Meghan grow not only physically but as a person,” Oakwood coach Todd Sadler said. “She decided she wanted to put the work in on her own and developed her skills and has grown to be an amazing keeper.  She is confident, has great hands and is a leader on the field. I’m honored I had the opportunity to work with her over the years and look forward to seeing her excel at the college level.”

Meghan said that she tries on the pressure of being a keeper and hopes to make an impact early in her Bulldog career. Bryant graduated two goalies from last season’s team, including starter Kaylan Conrad. The two returning goalies for the Bulldog will both be seniors and Dalton is the only keeper in Bryant’s nine-player 2017 recruiting class.

“My goal is to come in and play strong and see what happens,” Dalton said. “I want to work toward getting some field time as soon as I can.”

After seeing Dalton in action and meeting her in the recruiting process, coach Biggs is looking forward to having Dalton as a Bulldog come fall.

“When I first saw Meghan play, I was impressed with her kicking off the ground and out of her hands, her shot-stopping, and her ability to catch and handle balls played high in the air.  She also struck me as calm, composed, and positive with her teammates,” Biggs said. “During her visit with me and with the team she exhibited the kind of character that I think will make her a great fit for Bryant and our team.”

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Meghan Dalton ’17 of West Hartford with Kareem Burton ’17 of Waterbury. Dalton will play soccer at Bryant and Burton will play football at Rhode Island. Submitted photo