Georgia redshirt freshman goalkeeper Ashley Baker recently returned from Europe where she and the England U-19 National Team recently won the country’s first ever European Championship.

Baker, who was born in England and holds dual citizenship with the United States, used a redshirt last year in order to join England at the 2008 U-20 World Cup competition in Chile. She was called up to the England National Team last November.

“It was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to work with different top-level players,” Baker said. “I got to compete against other teams I’d never seen before. The training was great and the trip was exciting all-around.”

Baker’s team played three games in group play before advancing to the semifinals and eventually captured the championship with a 2-0 win over Sweden.

“What a wonderful accomplishment for Ashley and England,” Georgia head coach Patrick Baker said. “Over the last five years, England has probably made more positive strides in the women’s game at the youth level than any other country. For them to win the championship this year was great. For Ashley to see the level of play and have that experience is invaluable. She has looked sharp here in the preseason for us, and you can tell she has grown as a player on and off the field because of that experience.”

Baker and the Georgia soccer team are in the early stages of preseason camp. The season opener is slated for Aug. 21 against Kennesaw State.

- Georgia Sports Communications