June 15, 2012

University of Dayton’s Colleen Williams was selected to the U.S. Under-23 Women's National Team for the domestic training camp in Carson, Calif.

The U23 National Team Camp was held at the Home Depot Center from May 13-20.

The primary role of the U23 team is the development of players in preparation for the U.S. Women's Senior National Team.

“This is a dream come true,” said Williams. “It’s something I’ve been working for. I got a look after we played Notre Dame this spring which shows how good our team is. Throughout my three years the team has been getting more and more national recognition with each season.”

Randy Waldrum, who was appointed the U23 women’s head coach in January of 2012, is also head coach of the Notre Dame women’s soccer team. He got a chance to see Williams play during Dayton’s 2-1 win over the Irish in a spring game on April 14 in Fort Wayne, Ind.

“I've heard of Colleen through the years and all of her accomplishments, and I finally got to see her play,” said Waldrum. “She was the best player on the field for either team. She is so dangerous. She is so good coming off the front line and coming into the midfield picking up loose balls and controlling the pace.”

Williams, Dayton’s all-time leader in points (118), is a two-time NSCAA All-American. In every year of her career she has picked up a major award from the Atlantic 10; 2009 A-10 Rookie of the Year, 2010 A-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and 2011 Most Outstanding Player of the A-10 Championship. Named to the Hermann Trophy Watch last season, Williams was also an NSCAA Scholar All-America Team selection in 2011. During her three-year career, the Flyers have won three Atlantic 10 Tournament Championships, advanced to three NCAA Tournaments, won 54 games and have an .846 winning percentage, the second best in NCAA Division I women’s soccer (only Stanford’s .951 is better).

“This is a great opportunity for Colleen to train and play with many of the top players in the country. It's an environment that she will enjoy and thrive in,” said UD Head Coach Mike Tucker. “Our coaching staff and her teammates are tremendously happy for Colleen and excited that she has been recognized for her accomplishments. We have no doubt that she will have an excellent camp and we look forward to Colleen representing the University of Dayton at the highest level.”

Waldrum explained that after the May camp he will choose 18 players to take to Norway for the Three-Nations Tournament June 10-20. This will be the last activity for the U23 group cycle due to college seasons starting up. The U23 camps will reconvene in January 2013.

“Colleen still has a year left in this age group and will also be in the pool of players next year,” said Waldrum. “The purpose of this team is to develop players for the U.S. National Women’s Senior Team. Following the camp and Three-Nations Tournament I will recommend players to Pia (U.S. Senior Women’s National Team head Coach Pia Sundhage). I’m very excited to see these new faces in camp.”