BERKELEY – Less than 18 months after her freshman season was cut short due to injury, Cal midfielder Daisy Cleverley is back competing on the international stage. Cleverley was one of 23 players named to the New Zealand Women's National Team roster for the upcoming Cup of Nations, head coach Tom Sermanni announced on Monday. Former Golden Bear standout Betsy Hassett was also selected to represent the Football Ferns at the upcoming competition, which will be held in Australia from February 28 to March 6.

Cleverley spent time in camp with the Football Ferns earlier this winter and was the only player named to the squad who is currently playing college soccer in the U.S.  New Zealand, currently ranked No. 19 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, will take on Australia, Argentina, and South Korea in preparation for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

"We couldn't be more happy to see Daisy called in to the New Zealand squad as they prepare for this summer's World Cup," Cal head coach Neil McGuire said. "She has worked so hard to return to full fitness after some challenges. I couldn't be more proud of her, and to see her joining fellow Bear Betsy Hassett is so cool."

A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Cleverley appeared in 14 matches for the Bears as a freshman before suffering a season-ending knee injury. She returned to the pitch for the 2018 season and made 12 starts for the Bears in the midfield, tallying a pair of assists. Cleverley was also recognized for her hard work in the classroom, earning Second Team Academic All-District and Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention recognition.

"I'm really excited and grateful for this opportunity," Cleverley said. "It's been a long journey back from injury and I'm so happy to be back out on the pitch competing for my country."

The inaugural Cup of Nations kicks off on February 28, with the Football Ferns taking on host Australia in Sydney. New Zealand will then face Argentina in Brisbane on March 3 before wrapping up the competition in Melbourne on March 6 with a match against South Korea. More information on the Cup of Nations can be found here.

Cleverley has scored two goals in six career caps and was named to the Football Ferns' roster for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, while also serving as an alternate at the 2016 Olympics. Hassett has scored 13 goals in 107 international appearances and is one of the most-capped players in Football Ferns history. An All-Pac-12 selection during her time in Berkeley, Hassett is a two-time Olympian and represented New Zealand at the World Cup in both 2011 and 2015.

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