By Hannah Wolke, Staff Writer 

This year Xavier women’s soccer’s own Penny Brill will be playing in Poland at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, representing New Zeland’s national team.  

Brill, a sophomore from Auckland, New Zealand, is excited to enter the U-20 Women’s World Cup this coming month with dedicated time playing on a Division I ranked team in the United States. 

“Xavier has helped prepare me both on and off the field. Playing Division I soccer has taught me how to compete at a high level, handle pressure and stay disciplined.” Brill said. 

Brill mentioned what it took so far in her soccer career to get this far at such a young age; it took her a lot of practice and game time. 

“I was selected for the New Zealand U-20 team and got the chance to compete in the qualifiers in Tahiti, where we played against the best teams in Oceania,” Brill said. “We were able to win the qualifiers, which earned us a place at the U-20 World Cup. Now we get to compete in Poland against the USA, Japan and Italy in our group, which is an incredible opportunity.” 

Last September, Brill was called up to play on New Zealand’s U-20 National Team in the Oceanic Nationals at Stade de Punaruu and Stade Paea in Tahiti. 

Brill started in four out of their five matches and was able to score a goal in an 11-0 game against Vanuatu. They outscored all 10 of their opponents in Oceania by 33-0. 

During her freshman year at Xavier, Brill played in 15 matches and started in two. She helped get the team to the Big East Conference and the NCAA Tournament, which they won.  

Her first collegiate soccer career goal was against University of Conneticut in the Big East Semifinal game.  

Her coach, Katy Etelman, told Xavier Athletic Communication team that she was so excited to root for her and New Zealand this September as they power through Poland.  

“The program is extremely excited for Penny making the World Cup roster,” Etelman said. “She continues to grow as a player and opportunities like this will only make her better. We look forward to cheering her on. Her positive energy will be missed while she’s away.” 

Brill shared how she felt about being able to play for the U-20 New Zealand team at the World Cup level this year. 

“I’m most excited about representing New Zealand and getting the opportunity to compete at a World Cup. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was little, so it’s pretty surreal that it’s actually happening. I’m definitely nervous too; mainly because it’s such a big stage and there’s going to be a lot of pressure, but I’ll use that as motivation.” Brill said. 

With so much pressure at the height of her professional soccer career, Brill is going to take the motivation her family, New Zealand and of course, Xavier fans give her on the field and use it on the world soccer stage.  

Brill, along with her New Zealand teammates, will be playing Sunday Sept. 6 at the Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, Poland. You can catch the game at 9 a.m. EST on FOX Sports Plus or stay up to date on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup updates on their website.