Texas Tech University Athletics
Hiatt Called Up to U.S. U-20 National Team
December 09, 2019 | Women's Soccer
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All-American sophomore will play with the U.S. at the Nike International Friendlies this week.
CHICAGO – United States Under-20 Women's National Team head coach Mark Carr has called sophomore defender Cassie Hiatt into camp for the upcoming Nike International Friendlies. The tournament, to be held Dec. 8-14 in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., will feature the U.S., Brazil and France.
"This is such an amazing opportunity to represent the [U.S.] crest with the U-20s," said Hiatt, who has played with the national team at the younger levels, too. "I'm excited to play against France and Brazil, but also to train with the country's top players."
The selection comes after a tremendous sophomore campaign by the Parker, Colo., native. Hiatt entered the fall with the pressure of knowing she would be the only returning starter on the back line as a sophomore after Tech graduated its other three members to the pros last year. Nonetheless, she joined together with freshman Hannah Anderson, junior transfer Amanda Porter, redshirt senior Gabbie Puente and redshirt senior captain Margaret Begley to lead the conference in goals against with just 18 ceded all season long. With two underclassmen at the center back position, Tech posted 10 shutouts and surrendered just five goals to Big 12 opponents.
For her contributions to the dominant defense, she was named a First Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-Midwest selection. Not one week later, her sophomore season's accolades were capped off with an All-America nod as a Third Team member.
"Cassie has been rewarded for being consistent all year," said associate head coach Gibbs Keeton of his defender. "I think it's perfect timing, and Cassie is going to be hungry to make an impact in this camp."
Keeton spoke to what he believes the U.S. sees in Hiatt as they bring her into this week's camp, which will be used to determine the roster for the World Cup-qualifying CONCACAF U-20 Championship in February.
"I think her attributes with her feet, ability with her size and presence on the field is what has her on their watch list and will keep her there," he said. "She's also versatile. They watched her play outside back all year last year, and now they've been able to watch her this year playing against some of the nation's top forwards as a center back. They wanted to see those matchups, and they wanted to see Cassie not just excel but dominate in those, which she has."
Carr split the U.S. into two squads for the tournament, allowing his batch of 34 call-ups to all see game time against the two visiting countries. Hiatt, the only selection from the Big 12, will play for USA-Red. Her group will play France on Wednesday and Brazil on Friday. Both friendlies will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ussoccer.com.
"This is such an amazing opportunity to represent the [U.S.] crest with the U-20s," said Hiatt, who has played with the national team at the younger levels, too. "I'm excited to play against France and Brazil, but also to train with the country's top players."
The selection comes after a tremendous sophomore campaign by the Parker, Colo., native. Hiatt entered the fall with the pressure of knowing she would be the only returning starter on the back line as a sophomore after Tech graduated its other three members to the pros last year. Nonetheless, she joined together with freshman Hannah Anderson, junior transfer Amanda Porter, redshirt senior Gabbie Puente and redshirt senior captain Margaret Begley to lead the conference in goals against with just 18 ceded all season long. With two underclassmen at the center back position, Tech posted 10 shutouts and surrendered just five goals to Big 12 opponents.
For her contributions to the dominant defense, she was named a First Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-Midwest selection. Not one week later, her sophomore season's accolades were capped off with an All-America nod as a Third Team member.
Cassie Hiatt: ??????-????????????????.
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) December 6, 2019
A Third Team nod for the sophomore defender.
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"Cassie has been rewarded for being consistent all year," said associate head coach Gibbs Keeton of his defender. "I think it's perfect timing, and Cassie is going to be hungry to make an impact in this camp."
Keeton spoke to what he believes the U.S. sees in Hiatt as they bring her into this week's camp, which will be used to determine the roster for the World Cup-qualifying CONCACAF U-20 Championship in February.
"I think her attributes with her feet, ability with her size and presence on the field is what has her on their watch list and will keep her there," he said. "She's also versatile. They watched her play outside back all year last year, and now they've been able to watch her this year playing against some of the nation's top forwards as a center back. They wanted to see those matchups, and they wanted to see Cassie not just excel but dominate in those, which she has."
Carr split the U.S. into two squads for the tournament, allowing his batch of 34 call-ups to all see game time against the two visiting countries. Hiatt, the only selection from the Big 12, will play for USA-Red. Her group will play France on Wednesday and Brazil on Friday. Both friendlies will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ussoccer.com.
Players Mentioned
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
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