University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Marissa Gross named to Panama’s U20 national team
5/22/2024 10:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- Rising sophomore forward/midfielder Marissa Gross will have the opportunity to kick off her summer break on the international stage in late May playing the game she loves, joining Panama's U20 national team for the 2024 Sud Ladies Cup in France.
A Grand Prairie, Texas native, Gross was selected to join the Panamanian U20 team for a second straight season earlier this year and will compete in the six-team field, May 27 through June 4 in the French cities of Avignon and Robion. Participating in the 2023 edition of the tournament, she helped Panama place fourth. Gross also previously played on Panama's U17 after her junior season of high school soccer in 2022, participating in U17 World Cup qualifying matches in the Dominican Republic.
"Marissa had a great freshman season with us and we are excited to see her compete with the Panama U20 National Team," said UNI head soccer coach Bruce Erickson. "This tournament will be a great experience as she continues to grow as a player!"
Gross appeared in 19 matches and recorded 700 minutes during her freshman season at UNI last fall, recording three total assists on the year. She made her first collegiate start for Northern Iowa in the Panthers' 9-0 win over Viterbo, and notched the game-winning assist in UNI's season opener against Viterbo.
Panama is scheduled to open group play on May 31 against Morocco, and will also face France on June 2. The third and final match of the tournament will be held on June 4.
