Feb. 4, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – Fresh off a successful first year in the garnet & black, South Carolina freshman Courtney Cobbs continues to shine on the soccer field at the national level. As a member of the Region III ODP team, Cobbs attended the U-19 National Camp this January at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Cobbs and the Region III team finished the tournament 1-0-2. Cobbs earned a spot on the team following a region camp this past summer in Montevallo, Ala.

“It was an honor to play with players from all over the U.S. in my age group in this tournament,” said Cobbs. “Not every day do you get a chance to play with all-star caliber players. My goal was to play my best and see what happens. It was great soccer to play, watch and be a part of.”

That all-star caliber included Cobbs and her teammates, who finished unbeaten in the week-long event. Cobbs played forward as the Region III team tied both Region IV and Region II by the score of 1-1 and rounded out the week with a 4-1 win over Region I.

“I received a lot of positive feedback,” said Cobbs. “I know the things I have to work on to continue to improve how I play. Work ethic has to be there and I have to continue to try my best and keep at a high level all the time.”

With three more years under her belt as a member of the garnet & black, Cobbs looks to be a driving force on a Gamecock team looking to improve and make the next step towards an NCAA tournament berth.

“She has the desire to play and be a competitor,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “I think attending this event will help her confidence in becoming a more consistent player. She knows she has national team possibilities to aspire to and playing in the SEC and at South Carolina can help in her development to be the player she needs to be at a national level.”