Carleton Ravens women’s soccer goalkeeper Rachel Bedek is trading in flip-flops and beaches for cleats and soccer pitches, swapping her last two weeks of summer for a chance to represent Canada at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China.

Bedek was one of two goalies named to the team, and will meet up with the rest of her teammates in Vancouver on July 29 for training, according to Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

The team then leaves for China to compete in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) games, which will take place Aug. 11-23.

“I’ve always wanted to play for Canada,” Bedek said in a phone interview. “To have ‘Canada’ written on your jersey is just amazing.”

The second year goalkeeper from St. Thomas, Ont. was invited to try out for the team back in April, on the heels of a fantastic season in net for the Ravens. Her performance earned her several awards, including team MVP and a first-team Ontario University Athletics all-star selection.

“It’s really exciting for her and the program . . . it’s something to brag about,” said Ravens head coach Alex McNutt.

The tryouts for the FISU games took place over three days and were filled with scrimmages, training sessions and fitness sessions.

“I was so surprised. Everyone was so nice and welcoming but there were still six other goalies trying out,” Bedek said. “When [head coach] Graham Roxburgh called me over, I was shaking.”

“She works really hard on and especially off the field, and puts in an amazing amount of hours and effort when she trains on her own. She deserves it,” said teammate Amanda Ngwafusi.
Bedek is hard at work preparing for the upcoming games. Her schedule includes training with the Ottawa Fury three times a week as well as playing for the Ottawa Carleton Soccer League Ottawa Internationals and hitting the gym.

Bedek said while all the girls should be in great shape coming into the training camp, finding team chemistry will be crucial.

“It’s still a training camp but a lot of it will be focused on team building. We are such a talented team and if we get that team chemistry, I think we have a serious chance,” she said.  

Starting Aug. 11, Canada will compete against Great Britain, China, and Taiwan in the round robin, before elimination play begins.

At this point, Bedek doesn’t know whether or not she will be the team’s starting goalie. That will likely be determined at the end of July.

“The other goalie (Kristen Funk) plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps and has played on this team before so I just hope I get some time in net,” Bedek said, adding she’s “excited but definitely nervous.”

Even if Bedek only gets a couple of minutes playing time, the experience itself is an opportunity of a lifetime, she said.

“I’m just learning so much and I can bring all of it to [Carleton] this season,” she said.

This season, with Bedek leading them in net, the Ravens will look to improve on their 7-3-6 record from 2010.

“Being around a lot of very good players will give her a lot of confidence and inspiration. She’ll come back in driven to improve,” said McNutt.

Right now, however, all Bedek can think about is representing Canada at the 2011 FISU games in China.

“I’d never wanted to make something so bad in my life,” she said. “I can’t wait. It’s gonna be so much fun.”