PERTH, Australia – Sophie Whitehouse '19CC was selected as a training player for the Ireland Women's National Team as the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup began this month.
 
Ireland was defeated by Australia in its first match on July 20. Ireland will meet Canada in its next match on Wednesday. As a training player, Whitehouse will accompany the Ireland squad for the duration of the tournament and will be eligible to play if anyone on the squad is injured.
 
"I am thrilled thtat Sophie has been picked to represent Ireland," Columbia Women's Soccer Head Coach Tracey Bartholomew said. "She deserves this moment. Sophie has always had a vision of playing at the highest level. To see her following her passion, love and dream is something a coach wants for all players."
 
Whitehouse – who qualifies through her Dublin-born Mother – excelled in the U.S. college system before moving to England, where she linked up with Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City and Bristol City ahead of signing for English Championship side Lewes in 2022. She has played for Lewes Football Club Women since.
 
A two-year starter for the Lions, Whitehouse was a mainstay in goal throughout the 2017 and 2018 campaigns on Morningside Heights, including a Second Team All-Ivy selection in 2017 after allowing only one goal throughout conference play for a .964 save percentage.
 
Following her four years with Columbia, Whitehouse spent the 2019 season as a graduate transfer at Santa Clara, seeing action in 13 games while helping record seven shutouts, including starts in all three of the Broncos' NCAA Tournament matchups.
 
"While at Columbia, her genuine personality and smile brought out the best in everyone," Bartholomew said. "She showed up every day to push herself and her teammates to get better and she led our team to its best finish in 2017, letting in only one goal in league play. I am so happy and proud for her and her family. She has put in the extra time and commitment to get there and she deserves this incredible moment."
 
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