RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University soccer player Nerea de Diego recently received an invitation to attend camp with the Spanish U-20 national team.
 
De Diego – the reigning ASUN Freshman of the Year – trained with the top Spanish U-20 players in Madrid from May 23-25.
 
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup will take place August 10 to August 27 in Costa Rica.
 
"It's no surprise to us that Nerea is being invited into these camps," EKU head coach Matt Cosinuke said. "We are proud of the effort that Nerea has put in to continue to grow as a player and person over the last year. It's great that her home federation recognizes that growth and natural ability. We look forward to having her and the rest of our family members back for preseason. We have high expectations for this fall and the future. Go Big E!"
 
De Diego was a key piece in the EKU midfield in 2021, starting all 19 games as a freshman. She finished the season with three goals and two assists, while putting 14 shots on goal and posting an impressive .684 shot-on-goal percentage.
 
The native of Castro Urdiales, Cantabria, Spain was named the ASUN Freshman of the Year, second team All-ASUN and to the ASUN All-Tournament Team in her first year as a Colonel. She also became the first EKU player ever to receive United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors (third team).