Charleston, S.C. - Incoming freshman soccer player Vanessa Aponte has been selected among the 21 finalists to compete on the FIFA World Cup Women's Colombian U-20 National Team. Competition begins Tuesday, July 13 with Colombia against France in Bochum, Germany.

A graduate of Winter Springs High School in Orlando, Fla., Aponte earned MVP and Outstanding Offensive Player awards for her performance on the field. The future Bulldog finished the 2009 and 2010 seasons with 26 goals scored, nine assists and 142 shots with 120 on goal in 27 games. She was a member of the 2009 Florida Rush state championship team and the Colombian U-17 National Team that went to the World Cup in 2008 in New Zealand.

Following competition against France, the Colombian Women's team will then face host Germany also in Bochum on July 16 and Costa Rica on July 20 in Dresden, Germany.

"What a wonderful opportunity and experience this will be for Vanessa. Playing against the best in the world at this U-20 World Championships will be invaluable to her future," said head soccer coach Bob Winch.

For more information on Bulldog Soccer, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.