Six former Big 12 student-athletes were selected to compete at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the tournament will run from July 20 to Aug. 20.  

Texas and West Virginia both tied with two selections to World Cup rosters. UT’s Chelsea Surpris (2015-18) was named to Haiti’s roster as the team makes its World Cup debut while former teammate Julia Grosso (2018-2020) will represent Canada. She was named the Big 12’s Co-Freshman of the Year during the 2018 season. Four-time Big 12 Defender of the Year Kadeisha Buchanan (2013-16) and Ashley Lawrence (2013-16) will join Grosso on Team Canada. The duo helped WVU reach the NCAA Women’s College Cup Final in 2016.

Former Cowgirl Coumba Sow (2016-2017) will represent Switzerland while TTU’s Victoria Esson (2010-13) was selected to co-host New Zealand’s roster.

New members UCF and Cincinnati will also be represented in the quadrennial event. Rising freshman Genesis Perez-Watson (Costa Rica) is the second Knight to compete in the World Cup while being active. Former UCF alumna Konya Plummer (Brazil) and Kathellen Sousa (Brazil) were also selected for team rosters.  A four-year starter at Cincinnati, Vanessa Gilles was named to Canada’s national roster.

Fox Sports and its family networks will broadcast all 64 matches. For information about the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, visit the FIFA site here.