Newberry Star To Play For Mexico

Newberry College women’s soccer player Inga Woiwode (El Paso, Texas) has recently been selected to compete as a member of the U-20 Mexican national soccer team. Woiwode has been a part of the U-19 Mexican national team the past two years, during which time she helped the team qualify for the U-19 World Cup.

Woiwode, a sophomore forward for the Lady Indians, was one of just 30 athletes to be selected to this elite squad. Other U.S. colleges with representatives include the University of Notre Dame, Arizona State University, Cerritos College, and Ventura College.

“We (coaches and teammates) are very excited for Inga,” stated Newberry head coach Juan Pablo Favero. “This experience is a tremendous opportunity for her and her growth as a player.”

Currently, the team is in preparation for the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifying Final Round, which is set to take place in Veracruz, Mexico this month. Mexico will face Panama on January 18, Trinidad & Tobago on January 20, Canada on January 22, with the semifinals and finals to take place on January 25 and 27, respectively. Three teams from the final qualifier will move on to the U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be played in Russia on August 16 – September 2.

Woiwode has been training since December and is “an integral part of the team,” as stated by Gerardo Lepe Villarreal, manager of the Mexican national soccer teams. Although born in the U.S., Woiwode’s mother is originally from Mexico, making her eligible to compete at the national level.

“Our hope is that she and her team do well in this competition and that this be a beneficial experience for her,” concluded Favero. “We also hope that this opportunity will be able to help her continue to improve and develop as a player, as well as hone her leadership skills as she works to become an even more complete and dangerous player.”