California State University, Stanislaus junior soccer player Karenee Demery made history earlier this month, becoming the first CSU Stanislaus Soccer player to be invited to the U.S. Women’s National Team camp.
More than that, Demery is the only NCAA Division II player on the roster for the under-23’s team.
“Karenee is a special player and person,” said Gabriel Bolton, CSU Stanislaus soccer coach. “After watching her play in our conference for three years as well as a full slate of Division I opponents every spring, there is no doubt in my mind that she can compete at that level.”
The team began training at the Home Depot Center in Carson on April 13, and will continue to train there until April 20. The team will also play two matches against the U.S. under-20 team, which recently won the under-20 FIFA World Cup.
“It’s such an honor to be invited,” said Demery, originally from Merced. “God has just really blessed me. I wouldn’t even have this opportunity without my family, coaches and teammates. So I’m just so thankful for them.
“I am most looking forward to just being in that atmosphere – getting to play and spend time with these women,” said Demery. “I think that is just going to be amazing.”
Already CSU Stanislaus’ most decorated women’s soccer player, Demery is a three-time All-American, an Academic All-American, and a two-time West Region and California Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year.
Demery has been named the CSU Stanislaus Female Athlete of the Year twice. She currently holds team records with the most single season and career goals, points, and game-winning goals.
Interim President Joseph Sheley recognized Demerey last Wednesday among an elite group of CSU Stanislaus student-athletes at the Inaugural President’s Breakfast Honoring Scholar Athletes.
“I am proud of each one for your accomplishments,” Sheley said during the event. “This sends out a great message to our campus community about the hard work and dedication you put in not only as an athlete, but as a student-athlete.”
Demery and 57 other student-athletes were celebrated for their academic and athletic successes, each receiving a scholar-athlete certificate from Warrior Athletics certifying an overall grade point average of 3.25 or better during their academic careers at the university. Demery is currently a Business major at CSU Stanislaus.
