The summer after my first year in Gainesville I was struck by whatever random inspiration to get involved in the soccer community. At the time, the Chair of the Geography department had a son playing for a local club in town known as Leg-A-Z. He introduced me via email to Basil who invited me out to the club summer camps. I wasn’t sure what role or how much time I intended to commit to but the next thing I knew I was coaching the U12 girls. I wish I had some pictures to share of these “early” years. But what I remember most is going out to Forest Park and seeing a bunch of young girls laughing and knocking sz 4 soccer balls around and enjoying being out as a team playing soccer. And some of those same faces are still here although much older and, dare I say, more mature than just a short three years ago. And new faces have joined and quickly become etched into my memory. Collectively these girls will always be one and forever associated with soccer and my time in Gainesville. One of my favorite parts of this team is the diversity and range of personalities and individuals that exist…it’s been a pleasure to watch each girl grow and mature over the past three years but I believe this year has by far been my favorite. Because it is this year the girls are coming into their own as soccer players. As a group and as individuals the girls are recognizing what they want and what has to happen to achieve it. And so I thank each and every one of them for making my time and experience with the Lunachicks memorable and I wish only good things for this team down the road.

And just to leave you with some thoughts of each…

The Canadians…

They are definitely not the loudest…perhaps might even be the quietest but if you manage to hear the extremely dry comments uttered with a perfectly straight face or slight quips made in such an off-handed manner than it leaves you wondering if the comment was really made then you start to recognize the humor and personality of these two girls.

It has been a joy to see Esther grow as a player and I believe her goal that was scored 20 feet in the air off a header will become one of myth and legends when all is said and done. A hard worker who is very coachable, Esther’s aggressive effort and persistence will complement the technical toolset she continues to refine at practice.

And Maizie’s combination of tenacity and pure smooth touch on the ball is a combination that hits straight to a coaches’ heart. A welcome addition to the team this Spring Maizie has shown herself to be an important link no matter where on the field she plays. A defender by training, an attacker by instinct, Maizie provides consistency and calmness of play that belies the underlying strength and grit that makes her so valuable on the field.

Who rub off on a wall…

When Celine puts her mind to it even I would think twice to challenge her. And the quick witted comments muttered at times softly enough one has to strain to catch makes me burst out in laughter more times than not. When Celine first joined the team she reminded us of a train that picks up speed and does great in that direction but derails when having to shift gears. But, long gone are those days and now Celine cuts, dices, and reads the game in such a way that she will develop into an even stronger player as time goes on. And she is one of the most fearless on the team when it comes to attacking the ball in the air and going in strong on tackles and that mindset will take her far as a player.

The Captains…

We put a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and were never easy on expectations. But both Emma and Allison rose to the challenge and not only have the respect of their teammates but me as well. Regardless of roles down the line I think these two show a lot through actions. These two were also on the team when I first started coaching and to watch the development as soccer players and young women align in all the right places is a pleasure from any perspective.

Allison is the most complete player on the team whose shift in mentality this season is most evident. A drive to be better, to improve her play and those around her is evident in the style, movement, and actions during both practice and games. A dominant presence in the back and one of the strongest players both technically and tactically Allison will be an asset for any team she plays on.

Emma has listened to my incessant instruction and guidance  I am sure in frustration at times but mostly with a good heart and a desire to understand and learn what it means to play in the center of midfield. Another strong technical player, Emma has shown great improvement even in the past few months with movement off the ball, decisions on the ball, and ability to work with others all around her which will serve her well in the coming years.

The Technically Savvy…

Caroline is another that has been around for the long haul and who I hope sticks around for much more – coming into her own as she continues to gain confidence in her skills that are very good. A technically efficient player who has recently shown the rest of us she has the tools to become a very dangerous attacker, Caroline will be a brilliant player if she continues to builds on the solid skill set already in place.

Alex also has been there since day one and whose touch has improved immeasurably over the past few years. In addition, Alex has impressed me beyond all else with her active decision to get into a ridiculous game-fit shape. She cruises the pit where others shuffle, and she has developed the ability to run all day long in the midfield. The smoothness of touch and movement she possesses will become an even stronger asset as she continues to develop the more aggressive side of her game.

The Work Engines…

Every coach loves a player like Jen because you have no doubt about the effort and intensity that will be given each and every game. Nevermind some of the tackles and falls she has on the field that put my heart in my throat only to watch her get up and walk away time and again. What has come along with that competitive, tireless effort is an understanding of the game and an ability to link with players on the field in combination play. Her focus and intensity will only complement the improved play as her development as a player continues.

Kayla is relatively new member of the team who has done nothing but impress with her athletic skill and determination on the field. Her effort, intensity, and competitiveness drive those around her and pulls up the games of everyone on the field. I have no doubt Kayla will be an integral part of this team in the coming years and will develop into a very strong soccer player.

The Spinner….

Audrey is one of the most effective players on the team using her body to spin off defenders. Her obvious excitement and drive to drill the ball into the back of the net is something a coach desires to see in every player. Her intuitive sense of how to read the field will only improve as her touch and placement become more and more accurate.

Links on the outside…

Kelsey, for the record, has one of the fastest 20 yard sprints on the team. Her willingness to work hard and learn the game are traits valuable at any level for any sport. She has been a mainstay as a defender for this team and continues to improve on her ability to work with others on the backline and get the ball up the field. In recent games Kels has also shown flexibility and adaptability with a shift to midfield but regardless of position it is a pleasure to coach and work with her.

Coming back from the December break Forrest and I were amazed at the quickness and touch that Raisa showed on the ball. On the game field I do not doubt the effort she gives  and she is one of the most aware players in respect to her ball placements and runs off the ball. An extremely hard worker at outside midfield, Raisa will continue to improve and be an important player on the field.

Karley always makes me laugh – whether in amusement or frustration depends on the timing. But one thing that is true is how much pleasure I have had coaching her and how much I appreciate her effort and determination even against players two or three times her size. A defender at heart, Karley also shows herself really well at the midfield making good decisions about passing, runs, and, of course, defensive position.

The Keeper…

Sarah continues to improve on the goal line and provides stability and consistency at one of the most important positions on the field. The saves she has made, especially on the ground, and the timing of coming out and flighted balls oftentimes have kept us in games. As she continues to hone her skills and work to be a dominant presence out of the back Sarah will be an important contributor on any team.

 

This entry was posted on Friday, May 23rd, 2008 at 6:18 am and is filed under soccer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.