PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers women’s soccer freshman Naila Schoefberger is traveling on a 4,200-mile two-way road.
The Austrian-born Scarlet Knight has parlayed her development and education from the first three months of her Rutgers collegiate career into an invitation to training camp with the U19 Austria National Team. The rookie defender is also bringing her international experience back “On the Banks” with an eye toward the next three seasons with the Scarlet Knights.
The latest invitation continues a growing history between Schoefberger and the Austrian National Team program. She played with the U19’s in camp and in friendlies against Italy in 2021, and with the U17 squad for friendlies against Brazil and Portugal in 2020.
“In camp, we’re playing against professional clubs and the international competition teaches me so much about adapting to environments and being flexible,” Schoefberger said. “It teaches me how to adjust when I’m thrown a curveball. That’s a crucial aspect of being a college athlete.”
Schoefberger recognizes the developmental benefits associated with playing with the national team. She also knows her early collegiate career played a large role in the continued relationship with the Austrian national club. When she first saw the letter from the Austrian director of operations, she admitted to some nerves.
“I knew it was not just an invitation to camp, but an opportunity to show myself and others how much I’ve grown as a player since coming to Rutgers,” she said. “In a short time, I have developed tactical awareness and decision-making skills because of the speed of play stepping up from club and high school. The speed of play has forced my technical game to improve.”
Schoefberger has seen action in four Rutgers victories this season, including a 25-minute effort in the season’s second match against UNLV in New Mexico. She has been an integral member of the “27 Strong” mentality that has guided the Scarlet Knights to its best start to a season in program history while becoming a mainstay near the top of the national rankings in 2022.
Her first few months at Rutgers inspired a new confidence level heading into training camp with the U19’s in Austria.
“They said I’ve grown as a player and did a great job,” Schoefberger said. “They were impressed with my work ethic and my…
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