ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Competing on foreign national teams is nothing new for players on the UCF women's soccer team. UCF has been home to many international players, including Aline Reis, Andrea Rodrigues, and Lena Petermann.
Reis made her Olympic debut with Brazil in 2016 while Rodrigues has 14 caps under her belt playing for Portugal from 2010-14. Petermann suited up for Germany in the 2015 Women's World Cup and has 12 caps with the full team.
While the majority of players represent their home country, freshman Zandy Soree's story is a unique one.
Zandy Soree
The Weston, Fla., native recently had the opportunity to train with the full Belgian Women's National Team. Her father, who was born in Belgium and moved to the United States at age 13, passed his citizenship down to Soree. Holding dual citizenship, Soree has embraced her heritage, representing Belgium at the International level since she was 15.
The UCF forward made her first appearance for the Belgian Red Flames in the 2014 Under 17 UEFA European Championship Qualifiers in Latvia. Since then, Soree has been called up to train with both the U-19 and the full Belgian national team.
Soree's most recent experience abroad was an exciting one, as she earned her first cap with the full Belgian WNT as one of the starting XI in a match against France B. She played 46 minutes in the Jan. 19 match and previously earned three caps with the U-17 team and two more with the U-19 squad.
This year, the Belgian WNT earned its first bid into the UEFA European Championships. Soree is currently overseas training with the hope to be named to the roster for the Euros.
"This is truly an amazing experience that will help me grow so much as a player," Soree said. "Whether I am playing for my school or playing for my country, I am determined to contribute to the success of each and to give my team everything I have."
Zandy Soree
During her freshman season at UCF, Soree showed that determination, notching a total of 766 minutes and 10 starts in 17 appearances. She stepped up as a key contributor in the Knights attack, handling corner kicks and set pieces. Tallying a goal and four assists on the season, Soree garnered American Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team honors.
In 2016, UCF went 9-8-2 overall and lost a heartbreaker to SMU in The American Tournament. The Black and Gold battled to a 1-1 draw including two overtime periods, but were defeated 3-2 in penalty kicks.
The Knights return to the pitch in August to begin preparing for their 2017 campaign.