Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Photo by: Peter Borkowski
Soccer’s Betancourt Selected for U.S. Women’s National Futsal Team
07/31/2026 | 11:00:00 | Women's Soccer
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Soccer season is rapidly approaching at Southern Illinois, but even as the players prepare for the season opener on August 13 at SEMO, some are still making waves on a more national level. One of those players is Michelle Betancourt, who was named to the U.S. Women's National Futsal Team and attended the national team camp in July.
"Being selected for the U.S. National Futsal Team is such a privilege and an honor," says Betancourt. "There have been so many ups and downs throughout my soccer journey, but every challenge has shaped me into the player and person I am today."
First established in 2023, the Women's National Futsal Team falls under the United States Soccer Federation's Extended National Teams and is affiliated with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. As for futsal itself, it is a slight variant of soccer comprised of five-on-five play on a hard indoor court using a smaller, heavier, low-bounce ball.
Betancourt was one of the players called up for the national camp that took place in July.
"It was an honor to train and compete alongside so many talented players while learning from an amazing coaching staff," says Betancourt. I'm beyond blessed and so excited for what's ahead."
The Memphis, Tennessee, native completed her first season as a Saluki in 2025, appearing in 19 games while starting six. In season, Betancourt two goals and an assist for five total points across 758 minutes, which included the game-winning goal at IU-Indy on September 24.
"I'm incredibly grateful to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me along the way," says Betancourt. "I truly couldn't have done it without my village and for that I'll forever be thankful."
Betancourt is not the only Salukis selected to represent her home country this year, as Dana Nadda has been suiting up for the Egyptian National Team for the Women African Cup of Nations.
More information regarding the Women's National Futsal Team can be found at https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/womens-futsal-national-team.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Soccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoccer and on Instagram at @SIU_Soccer. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
"Being selected for the U.S. National Futsal Team is such a privilege and an honor," says Betancourt. "There have been so many ups and downs throughout my soccer journey, but every challenge has shaped me into the player and person I am today."
First established in 2023, the Women's National Futsal Team falls under the United States Soccer Federation's Extended National Teams and is affiliated with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. As for futsal itself, it is a slight variant of soccer comprised of five-on-five play on a hard indoor court using a smaller, heavier, low-bounce ball.
Betancourt was one of the players called up for the national camp that took place in July.
"It was an honor to train and compete alongside so many talented players while learning from an amazing coaching staff," says Betancourt. I'm beyond blessed and so excited for what's ahead."
The Memphis, Tennessee, native completed her first season as a Saluki in 2025, appearing in 19 games while starting six. In season, Betancourt two goals and an assist for five total points across 758 minutes, which included the game-winning goal at IU-Indy on September 24.
"I'm incredibly grateful to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me along the way," says Betancourt. "I truly couldn't have done it without my village and for that I'll forever be thankful."
Betancourt is not the only Salukis selected to represent her home country this year, as Dana Nadda has been suiting up for the Egyptian National Team for the Women African Cup of Nations.
More information regarding the Women's National Futsal Team can be found at https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/womens-futsal-national-team.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Soccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoccer and on Instagram at @SIU_Soccer. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's SoccerFriday, July 31
Friday, July 31
Thursday, July 30
Thursday, July 30