Three University of Virginia soccer standouts have earned spots on senior national teams, signaling a busy international summer for the program.
U.S. U‑19 Women’s Team Heads to Germany
Pearl Cecil and Jordyn Hardeman will join the United States U‑19 Women’s National Team for a training camp in Frankfurt, Germany, running from May 31 through June 10. The camp includes two friendly matches against European opponents and serves as a final audition for a roster that blends fresh talent with players who have already tasted the U‑17 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Both athletes bring recent World Cup experience to the lineup. Hardeman was part of the squad that secured third place in the 2024 U‑17 tournament, while Cecil contributed to the 2025 edition. Their inclusion among five roster members with prior World Cup exposure underscores the program’s growing influence on the global stage.
Jamaica’s Rising Star Takes the Field
Nicholas Simmonds, a freshman who led the Cavaliers with ten goals in 2025, has been called up to the Jamaica men’s national team. The invitation follows a season that earned him MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist honors, first‑team All‑American recognition, and a third‑overall selection in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas.
Simmonds also boasts eight appearances for FC Dallas this campaign, including one start, and recently signed a Generation adidas/Project‑40 contract, joining an elite group of eleven Virginia players to secure such a deal.
The upcoming friendlies and training sessions will give each player a chance to showcase their abilities on an international platform, potentially influencing future club opportunities and national team selections.