Miami’s Ta to Play for Great Britain at World University Games

Ta and Great Britain open competition at the World University Games Aug. 7.

8/3/07

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami senior midfielder Sheuneen Ta (London, England) will play for Great Britain’s women’s soccer team at the 24th World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand, this month.



Ta is among 19 players on the squad, coached by Laura Harvey, and is the only student-athlete from an American university selected for the team. A three-year starter for the Hurricanes, Ta started all 18 games in 2006 and recorded a team-high three assists. A 2006 All-ACC Academic Team selection, she was an All-ACC Second Team pick as a sophomore and an All-BIG EAST Rookie Team pick as a freshman in 2003.



“I am incredibly proud of Sheuneen for earning a spot on the roster for the World University Games,” said sixth-year University of Miami head coach Tricia Taliaferro. “She is an impact player that will benefit her team greatly. I hope she enjoys the competition and is able to bring home a medal for her country.



“We certainly look forward to having her join us after the Games in preparation for the upcoming 2007 season.”



Ta has been involved with England’s national teams for eight years – playing on the U-16 team from 1999-2001, the U-17 team from 2001-02 and the U-19 team from 2001-03. As a member of the U-19 squad, Ta helped Great Britain advance to the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA U-19 World Championship.



The World University Games is held every two years and will feature teams from more than 200 countries, competing in sports such as soccer, swimming & diving, water polo, basketball, volleyball, tennis and golf.



Preliminary competition in soccer kicks off on Aug. 7, with Great Britain taking on China in the first round of group competition. Great Britain will also face Canada and South Africa in group competition, attempting to advance to the second round, scheduled to begin on Aug. 13.



While the University Games run through Aug. 18, the women’s soccer final will be held on Aug. 17.



Ta and the Hurricanes open the 2007 season with a pair of games in Oxford, Miss., including the Aug. 31 season opener versus Ole Miss.