GW men's soccer forward Jaden Dubon is trading college fields for the international stage, earning his first career call-up to represent the Belize senior national team. Dubon will look to make an impact for Belize when it faces off against Venezuela on Tuesday in Davie, Fla., just outside Miami.

Dubon has also been requested for Belize's November window, when he will suit up against St. Kitts & Nevis on Nov. 15 and Saint Martin on Nov. 18. "You don't get these opportunities a lot. I'm super grateful for it," said Dubon.

The call-up marks his third stint with Belize's national program. His first international experience came for Belize at the U-18 level, and again at U-20. "I played U-18 in the UNCAF [Central American Football Union] Championship in Belize, and we played against other Central American teams," Dubon said. "I played again in U-20 for the CONCACAF [Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football] Championship, which was a really good experience."

While Dubon was born in Oregon, his ties to Belize run deep. Both of his parents were born and raised there, and he spent several years of his childhood in the country before returning to the United States to continue his education and soccer career. "Before I moved to Belize, I used to play American football, and then I moved to Belize, and all they played was soccer, so it's where I got introduced to the game," he said. "We lived there until I was 11 or 12, and then they [Dubon's parents] saw I was getting good at soccer, so we moved back to Oregon to give me an opportunity to continue playing."

Stepping into the senior team will be a proud moment not only for Dubon, but for his family as well. "It's always an honor to represent a country, and especially this one that means so much to my parents," Dubon said. "They're super proud, you know?"

Dubon will look to bring his energy and attacking ability to the national team, while soaking in lessons from more experienced players. "A lot of these guys have already played against these kinds of countries," he said. "I'm ready to learn from them and get that experience."

Now a junior forward in his second year at GW, Dubon said his journey has helped him to this point. After graduating from Hood River Valley High School with First-Team All-Oregon recognition, Dubon played his rookie year at Corban University in Salem, Ore., where he had seven goals and one assist in 2022. He left Corban after one season to play at Eture FC in Vinaròs, Spain, by which time GW Men's Soccer Head Coach Craig Jones had taken notice.

"Delighted for Jaden," said Jones. "This is a fantastic opportunity for him. Playing at this level and competing against top guys in practice and the game will be a great experience and opportunity for Jaden to showcase his own skill set and learn from others."

Dubon said the support system around him – parents, coaches and teammates alike – has helped him reach this milestone, saying, "They're my number one supporters for sure." He has also expressed gratitude to his supporters in Foggy Bottom, "Super thankful for the GW staff and AD for allowing me to pursue this opportunity."

While Dubon prepares for Venezuela and to join Belize again in November, he hopes this call-up is the start of something bigger. "I hope this opens a gateway, that I could continue to put in the work and to get these call-ups," he said.