Cone drills, shot attempts, stretches and sprints—these are the things soccer players are typically grinding on to prepare for their next big match.

For Cumberland Valley’s Casey New, some of her biggest work in 2026 has come via DuoLingo.

That’s because the Eagles’ sophomore has to brush up on her Czech, as the standout defender is set to represent the Czech Republic U16 and U17 teams in Serbia this spring, earning a selection to the national team for her mother’s home country to compete in a UEFA tournament,

“Obviously it’s the best of the best playing, and I’m going to be also going against the best of the best, so it’s going to better me as a player,” New said. “And even just having this on resume will benefit me.”

“This is a huge step for me, putting me out of my comfort zone, and I think that’s just going to better me as a person as well.”

New was a late bloomer in soccer, starting for real in the third grade after a brief taste in soccer shots when younger. The second dip-in was the charm, as she showed a knack for defense.

This year, she emerged as one of the anchors of the Eagles’ backend, earning first-team selection for the Mid-Penn Commonwealth All-Star team.

Beyond that, she’s been invited to the US Soccer Talent ID Center and the Girls Academy Mid-Atlantic Talent ID Showcase, as well as earning a nod as one of the top 11 players at the USYS National Championships in Orlando.

This opportunity arose out of a continued connection with her family roots. New’s mother, Jana, moved from the Czech Republic after marriage, with a lot of family still residing in the country.

With the family visiting often, they decided to send a shot in the dark, reaching out to the Czech Republic’s U17 coach Daniel Šmejkal.

That earned her an opportunity for an evaluation in front of Keri Sarver, an assistant for the team based in Ohio.

“She said she’d pass on the good stuff to the coach,” New recalled.

The family received the good news while on vacation in Belize, with her parents informing New that hey had a surprise.

“It’s a really huge step,” New said.

That step will take place this spring. Missing the week leading up to AP testing, the sophomore will head out to the Czech Republic on May 1 before heading to Serbia a couple of days later, after which training and play commences.

Beyond DuoLingo, she’s taking classes with her mother, hoping to be fluent enough to communicate with her new teammates— “It’s like an extra class, almost,” New said.

Guaranteed at least three games in the tournament, New is looking forward to her first taste of international soccer.

“I could go against the United Staes in one of these tournaments. That competition would just be crazy to see,” New said. “Honestly I would be excited to match up against those kind of players… This opportunity will just help me get better.”

It will always allow her to represent her family on a big stage.

“The Czech Republic is just really close to my heart. It’s a gorgeous place, and I wish people knew more about it.”

“I always thought it’d be so cool to represent it, and now that I have the opportunity, I’m so excited.”

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