Former Batesville student named to Colombia U19 National Soccer Team

(FRISCO, TX) -- A former Batesville student will have the opportunity to represent his home country on the pitch. 

19-year-old Nico Montoya was born in Colombia and immigrated to America with his mother, Bibiana, when she married Batesville native Dave Hooten. 

Nico was a standout soccer goaltender in Batesville and eventually got the attention of the Major League Soccer club FC Dallas.

He was invited to attend FC Dallas Academy, which is a youth development program that also includes a regular high school curriculum.

The family arrived in Texas in 2021 and Nico has capitalized on every opportunity. 

He signed a MLS NEXT Pro Contract with North Texas SC last summer and has made nine appearances on the professional level so far. 

Montoya has also previously been called up to the United States U17 National Team. 

The goaltender has just called up to the Colombia U19 National Team to represent his native country!  

He will compete in a series of friendlies against Saudi Arabia, China, Tunisia, and Congo.