OL Reign Academy Player Neeku Purcell Called Up to U-20 U.S. Youth National Team

OL Reign Academy player Neeku Purcell has been called up to the United States Under-20 Women’s Youth National Team for the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Women’s Championship, running from February 25 to March 12 in the Dominican Republic. The U.S. Under-20 Team will face the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Nicaragua in Group A play.

The top three finishers in the tournament will advance to represent the region at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup alongside host Costa Rica, which qualifies automatically. The U.S. is looking to claim its record seventh Concacaf U-20 Women’s Championship after winning the 2020 edition in the Dominican Republic.

Purcell, a goalkeeper that has been playing with OL Reign Academy since its inception in 2016, couldn’t quite believe it when she learned that she would be called up to play in the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Women’s Championship with the United States.

“I was over the moon when I got the call,” said Purcell. “This is something that I’ve been thinking about and working towards for years now. The fact that it’s here and I got the call is just truly an honor. It made me think back to the all the hours of work that I’ve put in over the last few years and all of the the people who have helped me along the way.”

"I am overjoyed for Neeku and her opportunity with the U-20s. It’s easy to see how hard Neeku works in training, but equally she is a testament to what can come from training and living with intention. Even our youngest goalkeepers know and look up to Neeku and I am so proud that they get to see a national team caliber goalkeeper and a kind, motivated, personable human and I think her call up is an affirmation of how much these qualities matter to a team," said Doug Herrick, OL Reign Academy Goalkeeper Director.

Purcell is no stranger to playing for her country. She has competed with the Under-17 and Under-18 U.S. Women’s Youth National Teams and been called into numerous camps. For the young goalkeeper, that environment never gets old.

“It’s really special to be in a tournament with the national team. It’s a whole new level. The professionalism and focus in training and the recovery off the field… it really requires the best of you and that’s always such a great challenge to face. Though it’s a challenge, it is always really rewarding at the end,” said Purcell.

Purcell has also committed to play NCAA Division 1 soccer. She describes her school of choice, UCLA, as a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere. Making a college decision wasn’t easy for her, but she is confident that UCLA is the right place for her to continue working towards her goals, on and off the field.

“I took quite the time to decide on my college. I wanted to make sure that I found a place that was going to challenge me over the next four years and a place that I would just love to be at. The more that I learned about UCLA, the more I fell in love with it. I think I found that UCLA was the place that was going to challenge me the most, both on and off the field. I really admire how much work everyone there puts into their sport and into their schoolwork. Ultimately, I found that UCLA was somewhere I wanted to be and the place that I wanted to learn.”

As Purcell’s time with OL Reign Academy approaches its close, she took a moment to reflect on just how much this club means to her and how supportive the people around her have been.

“Looking back on everything that I’ve gone through, with OL Reign Academy, the way that this club and these coaches have believed in me and invested in me since the start stands out. The way that they cared about me as a player but also as a person has really allowed me to push myself and push the limits on who I can be as a goalkeeper and who I can be as a person. The opportunities that they have given me, whether it was training with the first team or just being coached by high level coaches, has really expanded my capabilities as a goalkeeper and as a person.”

She continued, “This club is really special in that it truly invests in its players individually. Your coaches are always looking for ways to help you improve. So, when I come back from a camp with an IDP or something that I want to work on, they really make sure to implement that into my training plans. Their investment in me as an individual player has helped me to work toward my goals and just grow every day at training.”

Purcell mentioned multiple times that improving as a soccer player is great, but one of the most valuable experiences of playing with OL Reign Academy has been the relationships forged with those around her. From getting to know her coaches as people, to making great friends with her teammates, she values the good times she has shared with others the most.

“The best memories I’ll always have are those team trips. Whether it was to Florida or California for showcases, spending time with my teammates and coaches was really special. Getting to know your coaches as people rather than just coaches is really valuable. Our coaches see us as people before they see us as players and getting to see them as people as well is great. The relationships in general that I’ve been able to build and cultivate has been the best takeaway from my time with OL Reign Academy,” said Purcell.

“It’s been quite the journey with OL Reign Academy. I’ve really enjoyed myself and I’ve met some of my best friends. I’ve had amazing coaches that have continually pushed me and challenged me to help me get to places I only dreamed of reaching. Moving forward, my goal for myself is continue finding environments that will challenge me and push me, so that I can take my game to a new level. I want to be the best I can be, and I want to continue growing all the time. Off the field, I also want to inspire the younger generation at OL Reign Academy and be someone they can look up and ask questions to. I really want to be someone who can support them and encourage them on their journey.”

Purcell offered some advice to the next generation of young soccer players moving through their soccer journey.

“Honestly, my biggest advice is to enjoy the journey above anything else. If you enjoy the journey and you enjoy the challenges that come your way and learn from them, then your goals will soon be right in front of you for you to grab. Have fun. You have to have fun or it’s not worth it.”

Though Purcell’s time with OL Reign Academy comes to a close this year, she’s not done on her soccer journey yet. There’re more to come from the young goalkeeper and everyone at OL Reign will be cheering her on along the way.

“It’s all been very rewarding, and I can’t wait to see what else the future has in store. I’m definitely not done yet. I want to continue to push my limits and achieve new goals that I set for myself. It’s been an honor to be here at OL Reign Academy and it’s an honor to be called into the national team.”