Sports
By Luke Essig, Sports Editor
Xavier women’s soccer defender Natalie Bain was called up to the United States Women’s National Team U-23 camp on Oct. 16. The reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year was the only college player called up for the team.
Her form earned her a first ever call up to the national team. With one goal and two assists, she has been a staple in Xavier’s defense throughout her illustrious tenure with the Musketeers.
Bain started all 21 games for the Musketeers in 2024, in which the team conceded just 18 goals all season. This helped her to win Big East Defensive Player of the Year, USC All-American, All-Big East First Team and All-Ohio First Team.
Natalie Bain will bring back National Team experience to Xavier.
“Nat is a super athlete, super competitive nature and is enthusiastic to learn and develop as a player,” head coach Dean Ward stated.
Bain is able to adapt during a game. Having a player who is already one of the best players in the nation and always willing to improve is a luxury not a lot of teams have.
“These traits will allow her to be successful at every level of the game,” Ward said when considering what Bain could accomplish at the international level.
The Notre Dame Academy class of 2022 graduate was a cornerstone in high school as well. Her senior season, she led a 28-0-1 team after only conceding four goals all season. They won the KHSAA State Championship and Bain scored the game-winner to top off her senior year. Not only the tournament MVP, Bain was named USA Today High School Sports Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
“I think it’s really cool. With the shift in women’s soccer plates bypassing the college game and turning straight to pro, it’s awesome that she’s still being considered as a senior college player for the National Team,” senior psychology major Mia Kamphuis said. “I think it shows that Emma Hayes and the YTN coaches see a lot of potential in her and hopefully will think about integrating her into the senior team environment eventually.”
The Musketeers play one last home game before taking off for Maryland to compete in the Big East Championship. Catch them in a blackout on Corcoran Field against Georgetown on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
