Courtwright & King: U.S. Soccer Team Invites | Soccer News

Duke soccer Stars Courtwright and King called to U.S. National Team Development Camp

A promising sign for the future of American soccer, Duke University women’s soccer players Sam Courtwright and Blory King have been selected to participate in a U.S. National Team Development Camp,running from January 17-25 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson,California. The invitation underscores the growing talent pipeline within collegiate athletics and the ongoing efforts to cultivate the next generation of U.S. Women’s National Team stars.

Rising Stars Answer the Call

The pair where invited by the U.S. Women’s Youth National Team staff as part of a 24-player roster. this camp will run alongside training for the full U.S. Women’s National Team, providing a unique opportunity for development and exposure. U.S.Under-23 Women’s National Team head coach Heather Dyche will lead the camp, supported by the head coaches from all other U.S. Women’s and Girls’ Youth National Teams.

Did you know? – The U.S. Women’s national Team is currently ranked third in the world by FIFA, and these development camps are crucial for identifying and nurturing talent to maintain that competitive edge.

Courtwright’s Resilience and Transfer Pay Off

Sam Courtwright, a Dallas, Texas native, brings a wealth of experience with U.S. Soccer despite recent setbacks.She was previously named to the 2024 U-20 USYNT roster but was unfortunately sidelined by injury, preventing her participation. Courtwright also trained with the U-20 squad in preparation for the 2024 World Cup. Prior to joining Duke in December, Courtwright spent three seasons with Texas Tech, where she amassed an extraordinary 33 points through nine goals and 15 assists.

King’s Immediate Impact at Duke

Blory King, hailing from Moreno Valley, California, has quickly established herself as a key player for the Blue Devils. As a rookie in 2025, King started all 22 matches, playing a pivotal role in Duke’s defensive success. Her contributions were instrumental in securing 11 team shutouts and allowing just one goal across five NCAA Tournament contests. King’s prior experience includes representing the U.S. at the 2024 U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as participation with the U.S. U-16 and U-15 national teams.

Pro tip – Collegiate soccer is increasingly recognized as a vital stepping stone for players aiming to reach the professional ranks and the U.S. Women’s National Team.

A Diverse Roster Focused on Future Success

The camp roster showcases a broad range of talent, encompassing players born between 2003 and 2008. Notably, 11 players are age-eligible for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and six have already represented the USA in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. This diverse group signals a strategic focus on building depth and preparing for future international competitions.

For the latest updates on Duke Women’s Soccer,fans can follow the team on Twitter,Instagram,and Facebook by searching “DukeWSOC.”

Reader question – What qualities do you think are most significant for young soccer players to develop to succeed at the national level? Share your thoughts!

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