Cuellar Takes the Pitch for Mexico

The Cuellar File
Hometown	La Puente, Calif.
High School	Los Altos H.S.
Club Team	CRSC Infinity
Pro Team	Hwacheon KSPO (Korea)
Mexico WNT member - 2015 World Cup
Mexico WNT alternate - 2011 World Cup
Mexico U-20 member - 2010 U-20 World Cup
Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2012)
12 goals, 26 points at OU (2012)
First-Team All-Big 12 (2012)
All-Big 12 Newcomer Team (2012)
NCAA D-I All-Central Region (2012)
All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention (2009, 2008)
All-Pac-10 Freshman Team (2008)

It's a dream that thousands of young girls around the world hold close to their hearts: the chance to someday represent their nation in the World Cup field.

This year, Oklahoma soccer alum Renae Cuellar is living that dream.

Cuellar is taking the pitch this month as a member of the Mexico Women's National Team in the 2015 FIFA World Cup field. The California native has battled for this opportunity, overcoming an injury last year to battle back and getting the start in Mexico's first two matches.

SoonerSports.com caught up with Cuellar this week for a Q&A on fighting back from injuries, her favorite moments in Canada so far and how Oklahoma prepared her for this opportunity.

Q: You were an alternate for Mexico in the last Women's World Cup. What's it like to be there this time around?
RC: It's a dream come true for me. I've worked very hard and it's an honor to represent my country and family.

Q: How does the experience of playing for your national team differ versus playing professionally?
RC: Being on a national team, there's a different expectation of you every day, whether it's on or off the field. Playing professionally you have more leniency in certain areas, but both are still the highest levels of women's soccer.

Q: You've had to overcome several injuries in the past few years to get to this point. What kind of strength does it take to make those comebacks?
RC: I've had two knee injuries, one in 2010 after the U-20 World Cup and one in 2014 (last year). It took every ounce of mental toughness and strength I've ever had. Injuries are a part of athletics and they are the hardest to overcome, but I believed in me and I worked hard every single day. I have had many obstacles come my way and have never given up. Of course there were days where I cried and thought I couldn't do it, but thank God for my family and the great support system I had around me. Now, 11 months after my injury and eight months after major knee surgery, I am at the Women's World Cup.

Q: What was the training process like to prepare for the World Cup?
RC: Every day is a training day, whether it's something big or small. My teammates have been preparing for it since September and although my preparation was different (surgery and therapy) I've been preparing for it every day since then as well. It's hard work and dedication, being mentally sharp and performing at your best every single day.

Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Q: How did your time in collegiate soccer help prepare you for this moment?
RC: I loved playing collegiately and being a student-athlete helped me prepare in multiple ways for this moment. At Oklahoma, I had the best collegiate experience one could ask for. I had an amazing fifth year and it gave me hope again. It made me believe in me and strengthened me in every way possible. Not only did it prepare me on the field, but also off the field. It built my character and taught me that life is full of ups and downs but if you work hard and have a great support system (as I had with my teammates, coaching staff and family) you can make your dreams come true.

Q: What has the atmosphere been like thus far in Canada?
RC: Canadians are very nice people and the city of Moncton has welcomed us with open arms. It's a great soccer atmosphere.

Q: What has your favorite experience of the World Cup been thus far?
RC: Seeing my parents here in Moncton.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share with Sooner fans?
RC: I'm thankful to be a Sooner and proud to not only represent my country and family in the World Cup but to represent the University of Oklahoma. Thank you for all your support!

Cuellar and the Mexico Women's National Team have posted a 1-1 record so far in Women's World Cup Play, drawing with Colombia (1-1) before dropping a 2-1 decision to England. Mexico will next face France on Wednesday, June 17 at 3 p.m. CT.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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