NORMAN – Two representatives of the University of Oklahoma soccer program have been selected to take part in the Canada Soccer Women’s National Team Program U-20 identification camp set to take place this month. The Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Program announced the roster Friday.
Chosen to participate in the camp is rising sophomore Keera Melenhorst. OU assistant coach and goalkeeper coach Maryse Bard-Martel was picked to be on staff with the Canadian U-20 national team. Fellow sophomore-to-be Sheridan Michel was selected as a training player.
The camp will take place this month in Markham, Ontario, as part of preparation for the 2022 international schedule that will include Concacaf youth tournaments and the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship in the Dominican Republic, Feb. 25-March 12. The championship is a qualifier for the 2022 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in August.
Melenhorst, a product of Ottawa, Ontario, was a staple in OU’s lineup as a freshman in 2021, playing in all 20 of OU’s games and starting 16 matches. She registered two assists and 13 shots, putting five shots on goal. The frosh tallied 1,152 minutes played.
“I am super excited to be a part of this camp,” said Melenhorst. “This is another step towards my goal of playing professionally and representing Canada on the international stage.”
“Since I have been at OU, the environment has allowed me to grow as a player and continues to push me every day,” continued Melenhorst. “Competing at the highest level day-in and day-out has prepared me for this camp and I intend to represent the OU program very well.”
Melenhorst has previously represented her home country of Canada in the 2015 Danone Nations Cup and played for Team Ontario from 2017-19. Additionally, Melenhorst was selected into the Canadian Youth National Ontario Regional Excel program in 2018.
Bard-Martel, entering her third season as OU’s goalkeeper coach, is a native of Boisbriand, Quebec and has extensive experience on the international level. As a player, Bard-Martel was part of the U-17 Canadian National Team that played in the 2012 FIFA World Cup in Azerbaijan and was also in the U-20 Canadian National Team Pool as an amateur.
“Wearing the maple leaf throughout my playing career has always been an honor, and to now have the opportunity to represent Canada as a coach in the upcoming U-20 camp is very special,” said the OU assistant. “I am excited to be a part of an outstanding coaching staff and work with the amazing players, helping them become the best version of themselves and support their dreams of one day playing for the senior national team. I can’t wait to get started.”
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