Vanessa Kara ’15 Selected To Play for Dominican Republic National Team for FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying

Vanessa Kara ’15 (pictured at right in navy) was selected to the Dominican Republic (DR) roster for CONCACAF qualifying matches for the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. After starring at Drexel and the University of Florida, Vanessa played professionally in Finland for one year with Tikkurila Palloseura and followed that by returning to the U.S. for a one-year stint with Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

For those not familiar with international soccer, players are often recruited to play based on connections to countries. In this case, Vanessa was recruited to play for the DR since her grandmother Rosa Mejia was a Dominican citizen. Vanessa’s mother, Grace, also lived in the DR for ten years. Vanessa became a dual U.S./Dominican citizen in January to become eligible for international competition.

“I am overwhelmed with joy and excitement,” said Vanessa. “It’s every kid’s dream to play internationally and I’m proud to represent the Dominican Republic, a country that has given me so much.”

The DR defeated Grenada (9-0) and the Cayman Islands (4-0) in February. Their two other group qualifying matches will take place in April against Bermuda and Jamaica. The winners of each of the six five-team groups will advance to the final round of CONCACAF qualification where the six group winners will join the U.S. and Canada, (who received automatic berths into the continental championship tournament). The top four teams in the continental championship will advance to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Vanessa also works as an environmental engineer for Brown and Caldwell. Read about her work and efforts to raise funds and awareness for access to clean water in a profile on page 28.

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