HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University will be represented in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup when
Maddie Iro suits up for New Zealand Monday night in Estadio El Techo, Bogotá, Colombia.
Of 21 players selected to the New Zealand squad, the HPU women's soccer freshman goalkeeper is the lone Kiwi called up from a university or college in the United States.
"It means so much to me to be able to play for New Zealand as it's an opportunity that a lot of players don't get to experience," Iro said. "It's especially pleasing to me as I come from a mixed family and even though I'm representing my mum's New Zealand side, I am also proud to represent my dad's Solomon Island family and all the sacrifices my parents have made for me to be where I am today."
In 2021, New Zealand coach Leon Birnie first scouted Iro for the U-17 National Team in a regional talent game. The 5-foot-7 keeper was selected and participated in all five U17 National Team camps in 2021 and 2022 in preparation for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India.
"I had an amazing once in a life-time experience in India and was lucky enough to get my first international cap against Canada U17," Iro said.
Despite being selected to her first U-20 National Team camp in preparation for the 2023 U20 Oceania World Cup Qualifying tournament in Fiji, Iro was unable to play due to a concussion. She was fortunate enough to play in two other team camps before attending a camp to begin 2024 en route to playing two friendly matches versus Australian U-20 team, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
"It was a great experience for me to play in front of my friends and family," she said.
Now, Iro is healthy and ready to compete in her first FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup as she represents her heritage and High Point internationally. She will face Japan, Austria and Ghana from September 2-8.
"I am super excited to be representing New Zealand in my second youth World Cup and to also represent High Point University on a world stage," Iro said. "I am so grateful to do this in my freshman year, and I can't wait to get back after the World Cup and be with the team again. I am super grateful to my family, coaches and professors for helping me with my journey to Colombia and can't wait for our first game against Japan."
Iro started in three games before heading to Columbia and will re-join her team ahead of the Panthers' home game versus UMBC on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
"We are very excited for Maddie to be named to the New Zealand squad for the U20 World Cup," HPU Women's Head Coach
Aaron McGuiness said. "This is huge honor and accomplishment. We wish her and New Zealand all the very best."
MATCH DETAILS-FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2024-Group E Fixtures:
Japan vs New Zealand
2 September 2024 [local] / 3 September 2024 [NZT]
KO 8pm [local] / 1pm [NZT] / 9pm [EST]
Estadio El Techo, Bogotá, Colombia
Austria vs New Zealand
5 September 2024 [local] / 6 September 2024 [NZT]
KO 8pm [local] / 1pm [NZT] / 9pm [EST]
Estadio El Techo, Bogotá, Colombia
New Zealand vs Ghana
8 September 2024 [local] / 9 September 2024 [NZT]
KO 6pm [local] / 11am [NZT] / 7pm [EST]
Estadio Pascual Guerrero, Cali, Colombia
#GoHPU
