Utahn Anchors U-20 Women's National Team

Another diamond in the Utah soccer system is a player graduating from Syracuse High School this spring, and who co-captained the U.S. U-17 Womens National Team at the World Cup in 2008. That diamond is central defender Cloee Colohan.

The name of the West Point native may be new to the even avid followers of the high school game across the state. That's because Colohan has opted not to play for Syracuse HS, but rather focus on her club Black Diamond SC as well as the U.S. Youth National Team.

With the U-17 WNT Colohan anchored the backline of a U.S. team that took second at the U-17 Women's World Cup last summer in New Zealand. Her talents made her an invaluable member of that team, playing more minutes than any other player in the poll during the year.

Colohan's future with U.S. Soccer appears to be very bright. She captained the U-20 WNT for the La Manga tournament held in Spain last month. Playing in all three matches of the tournament, Colohan helped the U.S. to a 1-1-1 finish. Colohan will also be included with the rest of the U-20 WNT as they gather for a training camp to be held at the Home Depot Center, in Carson, California, April 25-May 3.

Following her graduation from Syracuse this spring, Colohan will continue her education and playing career with the Pilots of the University of Portland. The Pilots are a perennial national power that have consistently finished in the top 10 for the last several years. With her extensive international experience, Colohan should be able to provide a nice contribution to an already prolific NCAA program.