Irwin to play for U.S. at World University Games
TEAM USA RELEASE OF WOMEN’S SOCCER ROSTER
SEATTLE — University of New Mexico women’s soccer alum Maddie Irwin has been selected to represent the United States at the World University Games in Taipei from Aug. 19-30.
The roster, which was released Thursday, features 16 current and former student-athletes that will travel to the 2017 Summer Universiade (another name for the World University Games) – where more than 120 countries will compete in 22 sports.
“Being on this team and making the roster for the World University Games means a lot to me,” Irwin said. “My collegiate soccer career has come to an end, but getting the opportunity to play the amazing game one more time while representing the U.S. is more than I could’ve asked for.”
Irwin wrapped up her UNM career in 2016, capping it with a senior season that saw her set career highs in goals (six) and assists (three). The Tucson, Arizona, native finished her career with 11 goals and four assists in 73 career games – including 52 career starts (started every game for the Lobos in her final two seasons).
UNM coach Heather Dyche, who herself returned last week from Australia as a coach for the U-18 U.S. Women’s National Team, said it’s always great to see her players get a chance to play following their career at UNM.
“We want for players that come to play at UNM to have the opportunity to continue to play after they graduate, and I am really happy for Madison that she is getting this opportunity,” Dyche said. “It is a great thing to have University of New Mexico represented on a world stage, and Madison will be an excellent ambassador for our program.”
The team will begin competition Aug. 18 when the U.S. competes in Group A against host-country Chinese Taipei, South Korea and Argentina. U.S. takes on South Korea on Aug. 18 (New Taipei City Xinzhuang Stadium), Chinese Taipei on Aug. 20 (Fu Jen Catholic University Stadium) and Argentina on Aug. 22 (New Taipei City Xinzhuang Stadium).
There will be more than 5,000 student-athletes at the World University Games. Irwin and the rest of her U.S. teammates will participate in the opening and closing ceremonies while staying in the athletes’ village.
“It is going to be my greatest adventure yet and I am so excited to meet the other girls and experience a whole new country,” Irwin said. “Hopefully we’ll come back with a gold medal.”
USA Team Roster Women’s Soccer
Name Position University Hometown
Jessie Ayers F Colorado College Seattle, Wash.
Rylee Baisen F Pepperdine Yorba Linda, Calif.
Kavita Battan F Idaho Vancouver, Wash.
Kendra Bonsall D Cal Poly Santa Cruz, Calif.
Emily Bruder F Colorado Sandy, Utah
Michaela Dooley F/M Kentucky Scottsdale, Ariz.
Jaimee Farrell M Stony Brook Bellevue, Wash.
Victoria Gersh D Villanova Silver Spring, Md.
Madison Irwin F New Mexico Tucson, Ariz.
Caitlyn Jobanek M Western Washington Springfield, Ore.
Aliyah Miller D Gonzaga Bountiful, Utah
Rachel Ressler D Oklahoma Phoenix, Ariz.
Hannah Seabert GK Pepperdine Riverside, Calif.
Morgan Stanton M Colorado Lakewood, Colo.
Danielle Valente M Delaware St. New London, Conn.
Karly Zlatic F/M Harvard La Jolla, Calif.
Head Coach: Cliff McCrath
Assistant Coach: Shelley Beck