May 5, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The C-USA Midfielder of the Year Vendula Strnadova will represent the Czech Republic on the national scene as they play a two-match home and away set with Poland. This pair of games will serve as a try-out for the Czech Republic World Cup qualifying team.

Born in Liberec, Czech Republic, Strnadova leaves the United States with her older sister Veronika midfielder at the University of New Mexico on Saturday, May 16 traveling to London, England and then onto the Czech Republic to meet up with the national squad.

"It's a great honor for Vendula (Strnadova) to have an opportunity to represent her country at the highest level," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "It is also an honor for our university to have one of its student-athlete represent their country's national team. I wish her the best. She plays the game at another level and those are the kids who get brought into their national teams. She will do a tremendous job at representing herself and this university."

The first match will be held in Prague, Czech Republic on May 29 and the second on May 31 in Poland.

"I will be pretty nervous," said Strnadova. "As a player you don't get a lot of chances to prove yourself and I don't know how many opportunities I will have to see the field and showcase what I can do, but I will try to do what I do best. I will probably have to calm my nerves with some chocolate first, but after my first good run then I'm fine."

The sophomore helped the Lady Tigers to the second straight C-USA regular season title in 2008 as awell as back to back C-USA Tournament Championships. In 2008, Strnadova was voted C-USA Offensive MVP, C-USA Midfielder of the Year, NSCAA Central Region First Team, Soccer Buzz All-Central Region first team for her play.