PULLMAN, Wash. – Incoming Washington State freshman goalkeeper Liya Brooks was named to the Jamaican Football Federation's (J.F.F.) senior national team roster for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, the federation announced June 25. Brooks' selection marks her second call up to the senior team, after training with the Reggae Girlz in South Korea last August.
 
Hailing from Eugene, Ore., Brooks became an established member of the Jamaican youth system over the past two years. The young goalkeeper most recently competed in the U-20 CONCACAF Championships, after going undefeated with three clean sheets in the qualifying competition last fall.
 
Brooks will travel to Australia later this month to compete in her first World Cup, and J.F.F.'s second all-time appearance in the global tournament, after debuting in the 2019 France World Cup. The Reggae Girlz were drawn into Group F, alongside Brazil, France, and Panama. The Caribbean side will face France in its opening match, Sunday, July 23 at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia (8 p.m. AEST/3 a.m. PT).
 
"I didn't necessarily know for a fact it was happening, but I kind of figured it was happening," Brooks said of receiving the call-up. "Still, when I got the text that said, 'Hope you're well. Hope you're ready. You're going.' It's so surreal. I didn't think I would make a big deal about it, but thinking about it and  where I was four years ago - watching the last World Cup - and where I was last year this time, it's still kind of a big deal."
 
The Jamaican-American, who also won the 2018 Best of the Best Surf Cup Championship, will return to Pullman following the Reggae Girlz's conclusion at the Women's World Cup. Jamaica is guaranteed at least three games, as part of the group stage, with the top two teams qualifying to the knockout stage and the Round of 16, beginning Saturday, August 5.
 
"I'm there to bring the good vibes," Brooks said. "I'm there to work as hard as I can. If they need me, they'll call upon me. I'm really there to be one with the team and help them move forward. Coming back, hopefully I gain a better understanding of what it takes to play at a high level. Hopefully I can bring back experience and the team here can provide me with confidence."
 
Brooks has a long-established connection with her Caribbean heritage and culture, traveling regularly throughout her childhood.
 
"My mom was born [in Jamaica]; my grandparents were born there," Brooks recalled. "I was there quite often [growing up]. I couldn't tell you the number of times I've been to Jamaica. My parents would drop me off for the summer, and I'd stay all summer. I was very invested in Jamaican culture and it's still some of my favorite food to eat."
 
The Cougars' 2023 season begins this fall with an exhibition match at Gonzaga, Thursday, August 10. WSU will begin its regular season in Pullman, Thursday, August 17 at Lower Soccer Field against Eastern Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with coverage on the Pac-12 Network.