Perez Named to Colombia World Cup Roster
COLOMBIA – Miami Hurricanes goalkeeper Catalina Perez was among those selected to represent Colombia at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, it was announced this week.
Perez, who missed the 2014 season while recovering from season-ending ACL injury, rebounded in impressive fashion en route to her first-ever selection to the Colombia Senior Women’s National Team.
“I have found that following your dreams leads you to the right places and the right people,” Perez said. “I want to thank Coach Mary-Frances Monroe, the whole soccer program at the University of Miami, the athletic training department, the UM sports medicine team and all of my academic advisors for their support throughout my journey to the World Cup.”
Monroe said the accomplishment is a testament to Perez’ determination in coming back from injury.
“Catalina not only is a great soccer player but she is an amazing teammate,” Monroe said. “She worked so hard after tearing her ACL last summer to get back to where she is. She had to learn how to be a positive influence to her teammates even when she wasn’t on the field.
“Catalina has grown so much and has learned a great deal about the game and being a great teammate while watching. I believe this has made her a better soccer player.”
Perez said her childhood dream of representing Colombia became attainable when she began to participate in major tournaments with the country’s youth national teams.
But when she went down to the ACL injury prior to the 2014 season, the dream became her “biggest motivation.”
“I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by positive people in both situations to help me keep my soccer dreams alive while also working toward my degree,” Perez said. “I will be forever grateful to the University of Miami family.”
Perez, who called training camp “an experience in and of itself,” will return to camp on May 20in Bogota, Colombia where the team will train until May 25.
Colombia will play three exhibition matches in Denver in final preparation for the World Cup, where her team will take on Mexico (June 9), France (June 13) and England (June 17) in Group play.
“I am so proud of Catalina and so excited that she has the opportunity to represent Colombia in the World Cup,” Monroe said. “Playing for her country at the highest level was one of her goals. To make a World Cup roster at her young age takes an immense amount of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. I am so grateful that our staff has been able to train her to prepare for the wonderful adventure.”
Though her team faces a challenging road ahead, Perez is relishing the opportunity.
“Despite our ages, many players have been exposed to the fiercest competition,” Perez said. “As a team, we are conscious about what we are getting into and we have confidence that we are ready. The team is focused and driven.”
Monroe, who has extensive experience working with U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams, is looking forward to watching Perez this summer, albeit in different jersey colors
“I can’t wait to watch the World Cup and see a Hurricane on the field. I will cheer as loud as I can. This is great opportunity for our women’s soccer program, the athletic department, and for the University of Miami,” Monroe said.
