Harris Called Up to U-20 Jamaican National Team

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TROY, Ala. – Troy freshman forward/midfielder Nicole Harris will get to wear the black and gold of the Jamaican national team in next week's Caribbean Football Union U-20 World Cup Qualifier. The Jamaican National Football Federation has activated the first-year Trojan for the final stage of World Cup qualifying.

"It's exciting be selected to play again at the international level," Harris said. "I'm glad to be invited back and hopefully we can earn three wins and move on to the U-20 World Cup."

Harris has played in 11 matches for the Trojans, making two starts in the midfield. The freshman has provided depth and valuable minutes for Troy during her freshman season.

The Miami, Fla., native was born in the United States, but due to her father's Jamaican heritage she is eligible to compete for Jamaica. Harris and her family have visited her father's home country on several occasions since she received the opportunity to play for Jamaica's U-20 team.

Jamaica's U-20 Women's National Team, commonly referred to as the Reggae Girls finished at the top of their group in June's group stage of CFU World Cup Qualifying.

Troy head coach Chris Bentley says he hates to lose a quality player like Harris during the middle of the Trojans' season, but know it's a great opportunity for Harris to gain experience at the international level.

"Nicole is such good, young player and it is an exciting opportunity for her," Bentley said. "It speaks to the caliber of players we recruit and try to play in our system at Troy."

A standout at Gulliver Prep in Miami, Harris led the Raiders to four unbeaten seasons and a 53-match unbeaten streak. During her prep career, Harris scored 35 goals and posted 43 assists. She also participated in Florida's Olympic Development Program from 2007-12.

Harris and the U-20 Jamaican National Team begin group play on Oct. 19 versus St. Kitts-Nevis in Kingston, Jamaica. Jamaica will also face Suriname on Oct. 21 and the Dominican Republic on Oct. 23.

The final qualifying round will continue through Oct. 27. If Harris and Jamaica can advance out of the final group stage, they will qualify for the 2014 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada that begins on Aug. 5, 2014.

For more information on Troy Athletics, visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter and Instagram and @TroyAthletics and on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.

Troy University Athletics

Harris Called Up to U-20 Jamaican National Team

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