CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah University junior defender Karolina Jasaityte is headed back to the international stage.
Jasaityte has received an invitation to join the Lithuanian Women's A National Team for its upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 European Qualifying playoff against Sweden.
The Lithuanian Football Federation has requested Jasaityte's release from Southern Utah from Oct. 5-13 for the national team camp and two-leg playoff. Lithuania is scheduled to face Sweden on Oct. 9 and again on Oct. 13, with matches taking place in Lithuania and Sweden.
For Jasaityte, affectionately known as "KJ" by her Thunderbirds teammates, another opportunity to wear her country's colors carries special meaning.
"I'm so excited. Representing my country is such a proud moment for me. I'm incredibly proud to be Lithuanian, and having the opportunity to play at the highest level and compete against a team like Sweden is going to be so much fun," Jasaityte said.
This marks another chapter in an international career that began when Jasaityte was just 14 years old. She previously captained Lithuania at the U-16, U-17 and U-19 levels before moving into the senior national team. She was also named Lithuania's Best Young Player in 2022.
Jasaityte's latest call-up follows her appearance with Lithuania at the 2025 Baltic Cup. She played in the national team's match against Latvia, becoming the first Southern Utah women's soccer player to participate in UEFA competition while representing the Thunderbirds.
Her role with Lithuania has continued to grow. Jasaityte appeared for the senior national team during European qualifying earlier this year, including Lithuania's 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein on June 9. UEFA currently lists the Thunderbirds defender among Lithuania's players for the 2027 Women's European Qualifiers.
The opportunity also gives Jasaityte a chance to measure herself against a formidable Swedish side with a place in the next stage of World Cup qualifying at stake.
"We knew we were going to get a tough team, and I think that makes it even more exciting," Jasaityte said. "It gives you an opportunity to show what you can do and see where you are against some of the best players in the world. We could have drawn countries like England or the Netherlands, but Sweden is a really tough team. I'm excited to compete against them and see where I'm at."
Southern Utah Head Coach Steven Lindquist said the latest international invitation reflects the work Jasaityte has put into her development.
"One of the most exciting and prestigious moments in an athlete's career is to be called in to represent their national team," Lindquist said. "For KJ, to have that honor multiple times is a testament to her commitment to development and her work ethic and drive to better not just herself, but those around her. While we will miss her while she is gone, we are proud of her and this awesome opportunity."
Jasaityte is in her second season with Southern Utah after transferring from Oregon. The 6-foot defender from Vilnius, Lithuania, has continued to add to her résumé during her junior campaign, including scoring a goal in the Thunderbirds' victory over Justice University on Sept. 6.
Now, Jasaityte will temporarily trade Thunderbirds red for the colors of her home country, with an opportunity to represent both Lithuania and Southern Utah on one of international soccer's biggest qualifying stages.
Up Next
The Thunderbirds return home to open up Big Sky action on Thursday, October 1, at 4 p.m. on the Thunderbird Soccer Field against the University of Montana.
Follow Us
For all the latest on Southern Utah Soccer, follow @SUUSoccer on Twitter and Instagram and like the Southern Utah Soccer Facebook page.
Donate
To help support Thunderbirds athletics, consider making a donation today! To learn more about how you can support, click here.
