University of Minnesota Athletics
Parkhill, Team USA Capture World Cup Gold
12/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
University of Minnesota freshman Cat Parkhill (Apple Valley, Minn.) and her Team USA teammates captured the gold medal at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 win over Korea RBC on Dec. 7. The victory capped off an impressive run for team, as they allowed a tournament-low three goals in six games to capture the first U-20 Women’s World Cup championship by an American team since 2002.
“The power a team has when they have put away their egos and are working toward a common goal is amazing. It is truly an indescribable feeling,” Parkhill said. “I couldn’t have gotten to this point without the strong support from the University of Minnesota coaching staff and players. I have learned so much from so many people through this amazing opportunity.”
Throughout the tournament, Parkhill provided depth at goalkeeper behind Penn State All-American Alyssa Naeher. Naeher won the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s top goalkeeper at the conclusion of the tournament.
Parkhill, 18, was named by Team USA head coach Tony DiCicco to the World Cup roster in late September. Serving as a redshirt and backup to fifth-year senior goalkeeper Lindsey Dare on the Minnesota roster this fall, Parkhill was afforded an opportunity to practice both with her collegiate and national teammates while attending classes at the U.’
“When the coaches and I decided I would redshirt this season, it gave me a great opportunity to pursue this opportunity with the U-20 national team. It would’ve been difficult to travel with the team, do well in school, and also to travel with the national team all at once,” Parkhill said. “The Minnesota coaching staff has been very helpful. I’ve had a lot of specific training here at Minnesota that has helped me get to the point where I needed to be.”
To learn more about Cat and her experience at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, catch up with her on her blog at gophersports.com.
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