Daya King and Rylee McLanahan, standout players from Duke women's soccer, have been selected for the U.S. Under-19 Women's National Team. They will participate in a training camp and compete in two matches against Germany in Frankfurt from May 31 to June 10. King, a highly-accomplished freshman, earned multiple accolades this past season, while McLanahan is recognized as one of the top scorers nationally during her high school career. The U-19 team boasts an impressive 4-0-1 record in international play this year, reflecting a strong focus on athlete development. This initiative aligns with the U.S. federation's strategy to enhance youth teams and prepare players for potential senior national team roles.

By the Numbers
  • Daya King logged 1,911 minutes in 22 matches during her freshman season.
  • Rylee McLanahan scored 107 goals and provided 42 assists in just 45 high school matches.
Yes, But

While the selections are a significant achievement for King and McLanahan, the pressure to perform and secure a place in future national teams presents a competitive challenge.

State of Play
  • The U-19 National Team has been actively competing internationally, recently matching up against teams in Portugal and Argentina.
  • This training camp will broaden the players’ exposure to international play and enhance team cohesiveness.
What's Next

Following the matches in Germany, players will likely engage in further training sessions and potential domestic competitions, showcasing their skills for future selections to higher-level national teams.

Bottom Line

King and McLanahan's selection exemplifies the upward trajectory of Duke women's soccer, while also underlining the importance of developing young talent to compete on the world stage.