A Spotlight in São Paulo
Former Duke University star Kat Rader has earned a spot on the United States Under‑23 Women’s National Team roster for a training camp that will run from June 1 to June 9, 2026, in São Paulo, Brazil.
The camp serves as a crucible for the next generation of talent, with the squad scheduled to play two fixtures against SC Corinthians Paulista, the current league leaders and recent runners‑up in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Rader, a rookie with the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League, has quickly become one of the league’s most talked‑about players. In 11 appearances she has found the back of the net four times, tying her for the league lead among first‑year players.
Her selection comes at a time when the full U.S. Women’s National Team is also touring Brazil, using the same venues to face the host nation in preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A Club With History
SC Corinthians Paulista, based in the São Paulo metropolitan area, sit atop their domestic league and have already made history as the inaugural runners‑up in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, underscoring the growing competitiveness of Brazilian women’s football.
The upcoming matches will test the U‑23 side’s depth and give Rader a chance to showcase her attacking instincts against a defense that has been among the strongest in the region.
Beyond the immediate fixtures, the camp is part of a broader strategy to blend emerging talent with seasoned veterans, ensuring a smooth transition as the sport’s global calendar shifts toward the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Looking Forward
For Rader, the experience represents more than a personal milestone; it is an opportunity to contribute to a squad that could shape the future of U.S. women’s soccer on the world stage. As the team trains on Brazilian soil, the blend of cultural immersion and high‑level competition promises to leave a lasting imprint on each player’s development.