LAKE CHARLES – McNeese soccer freshman midfielder Rebecca Romero received a phone call that would change the trajectory of her rookie campaign with an opportunity to play for the Venezuela Sub-19 National Team.
 
The native of Venezuela left the country early in her formative years, being one year old when making the move to Alaska. Romero began playing soccer when she was four and never forgot her roots.
 
"We've been a soccer family," Romero said. "I have an older sister that started playing soccer and I looked up to her and started playing as well."
 
The further Romero has progressed, she's noticed having more of a technical mindset that has helped her along the way. Being a more technical player, some distinctions she has noted at the Division I level include the physicality of the game and speed of others around her.
 
She's earned minutes in each of the four matches thus far this season. Her first collegiate shot came against Alcorn where she played 59 minutes while helping the Cowgirls to a 6-0 shutout victory.
 
One week into the 2023 campaign and after three matches played, Romero received a phone call from her mother letting her know she was selected to the team.
 
"It's been a long process. It's been since the summer that this process began when I was initially contacted. I was definitely shocked. It's not every day that you get that type of phone call and honestly, I was super honored to be selected," said Romero.
 
She continues to push on and work to be her best not only for herself, but also for her younger sister for whom she tries to be a role model. The opportunity to represent the Cowgirls also shows true.
 
"I'm definitely grateful to have the opportunity to not only represent McNeese, but also represent my country," said Romero.
 
"We're really excited for Rebecca and she's worked really hard to get this opportunity," said McNeese head coach Drew Fitzgerald. "The team's thrilled for her and we look forward to watching her play international matches."
 
The appearance by Romero will be the second time anything like this has happened under Fitzgerald's eight-year tenure. The former came in 2017 when Bettina Brulhart was selected for her national team after graduating from McNeese.
 
The tournament will take place in September in which she will depart from her Cowgirl team.