West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's Ariel Bernard has been selected for the U.S. Soccer Women's College Talent ID Camp. The camp, set to occur from June 18-22 in Atlanta, will be hosted at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, which is expected to open in spring 2026.

Bernard is among 42 players invited to this inaugural event, representing 28 colleges. Participants will be divided into two teams and will engage in a goalkeeper-specific segment aimed at expanding the pool of goalkeepers with national team exposure. The training sessions will focus on individual development under the guidance of USWNT goalkeeper coach Stuart Searle and YNT GK coaches. Players showing strong performance may be called to an age group National Team Camp.

"Our scouting team has been following an expanded pool of players in the college landscape and have identified numerous talented players who we are excited to introduce to our pathway," said Nicole Lukic, U.S. Soccer's Director of Talent ID for women and girls. "I know all the National Team coaches and scouts are looking forward to working alongside each other throughout the camp to create a supportive and challenging environment with this pool of players."

In her freshman year in 2024, Bernard started 14 matches, achieving 101 saves with a GAA of 2.12, placing her sixth in program history for single-season saves.

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