Incoming Pitt freshman called up to Mexico U-20 Women’s National Team

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From University of Pittsburgh report / Kelly Dumrauf 

Incoming Pitt women’s soccer freshman Athalie Palomo has been called up to the Mexico U-20 National Team to participate in training camp in preparation for the 2019 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup which will be held in France this summer.

“We are so excited about Athalie once again being called into the U-20 National Team camp for Mexico,” Randy Waldrum, Pitt’s head coach, said. “The experience she gained from the last U-20 World Cup, and now this camp for the next cycle will add a wealth of international experience to her game. She’ll be able to bring that experience here to Pitt, and ultimately make our program better.”

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The Pitt signee is in the midst of training camp with the Mexico National Team as they look to qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup this summer in France. The training camp is being held from March 11-15 and features the top 23 players in the country under the age of 20. The team is under the direction of head coach Monica Vergara.

#U20Women | Head Coach Mónica Vergara has called up her squad to start training camp tonight!! 🙆🏻‍♀️🇲🇽⚽️#PasiónyOrgullo | #FMFporNuestroFútbol pic.twitter.com/VvyMvYdPHP

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) March 11, 2019

Palomo got the call to the Mexico U-20 National Team after an impressive career with FC Dallas Academy. The future Panther has played for the FC Dallas Academy, one of the top clubs in the country, since 2017 and has produced 39 career goals in 41 games.

The crafty midfielder also played on the U-20 Mexico National Team this past summer as they competed in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France. Palomo was one of the youngest players on the team that took 11th place overall.

“Any time one of your players can get quality international experience, it only helps all of the other players learn from those experiences as well,” stated Waldrum. “This is another reason why I’m so excited about adding Hollie Olding who has U-20 England National Team experience and now once again Athalie who had her Mexico National Team experiences twice. It’s an exciting time for Pitt women’s soccer!”

Palomo brings loads of National team experience and talent with her to Pittsburgh this fall as she will be one of eight freshman in the first signing class for Waldrum.