USA Women’s U-23 Team Camp Fuels Future Stars

USA Rugby Unveils Women’s U23 Sevens Athlete Roster and Coaching Staff

Breaking News: USA Rugby has officially announced the roster of athletes selected for the Women’s Under 23 Sevens program, signaling a significant investment in the future of American women’s rugby. The announcement also includes the dedicated coaching and support staff who will guide these emerging talents.

the selected athletes represent a diverse pool of talent from collegiate and club programs across the nation,highlighting the growing strength and reach of women’s rugby in the United States. This initiative by USA Rugby underscores a commitment to developing a robust player pipeline, identifying and nurturing athletes who demonstrate the potential to compete at the highest international levels in the fast-paced and dynamic sport of Rugby Sevens.Evergreen Insights: The Foundation of Future Success

The establishment of a Women’s Under 23 Sevens program is a crucial step in building a sustainable and competitive elite pathway. This age group is pivotal for player progress, bridging the gap between collegiate/club play and senior national team contention. The focus on this demographic allows for specialized skill refinement,strategic understanding,and the cultivation of team cohesion under pressure.

As the sport of Rugby Sevens continues its global expansion and evolution, programs like this are essential for identifying and honing the next generation of Olympians and World Cup contenders. The investment in coaching and support staff further emphasizes the holistic approach required to maximize athlete potential, encompassing technical skills, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude.The athletes named to this U23 squad are embarking on a journey that could lead to future opportunities within the broader USA Rugby ecosystem. Their dedication and performance within this program will be a key indicator of their potential to contribute to the continued growth and success of American rugby on the world stage. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that investing in youth development is not just about winning today, but about building a legacy for tomorrow.

Women’s U23 Sevens athlete Roster:

Jazmyn Luna | Oregon State
Arielle Sorelle | Carmel Rugby Club (IN) / Dartmouth College
Mariah Overby | Cal Women’s Rugby
Maurina Street | University of South Dakota
Lauren Thomlinson | Drury University
Celia Watson | Princeton University

Women’s Under 23 Sevens Coaches & staff:

Irene Gardner | Pathway W7 Head Coach
Kelly Griffin | Pathway W7 Assistant Coach
Jackie Rodriguez | Pathway W7 Lead Athletic Trainer
Sam Queen | Assistant Athletic Trainer
Martha Daines | Head of Player Systems and Development
Kristin Zdanczewicz | Pathway Performance coach (Remote)

How does the U-23 camp contribute to a player’s readiness for the demands of international soccer?

Identifying Top Talent: The Selection Process

The recent USA Women’s U-23 team camp, held earlier this month, served as a crucial platform for identifying and developing the next generation of soccer stars. This intensive training camp isn’t just about drills; it’s a meticulously designed process to scout potential players for future national team contention. The selection criteria focus on several key areas:

Technical Skill: Demonstrating proficiency in ball control, passing accuracy, and shooting technique.

tactical Awareness: understanding positioning, reading the game, and making clever decisions on the field.

Physical Conditioning: Exhibiting endurance, speed, agility, and strength – essential for competing at the highest levels.

Mental Toughness: Displaying resilience, composure under pressure, and a strong work ethic.

College & Professional Performance: Current performance within collegiate soccer programs (NCAA Division I) and emerging professional leagues like the NWSL is heavily weighted.

Coaches actively scout players throughout the college soccer season and during various youth national team qualifying events. Invitations to the U-23 camp are highly competitive, representing a significant achievement for aspiring athletes.

Camp Structure & Training Regimen

The U-23 camp isn’t a vacation. It’s a demanding schedule designed to push players to their limits and accelerate their development. A typical day includes:

1. Morning Session: Focused on technical training, including passing drills, shooting exercises, and small-sided games.Emphasis is placed on refining fundamental skills and building team cohesion.
2. Afternoon Session: Tactical work,analyzing game situations,and implementing specific strategies. This often involves video review and classroom sessions.
3. Strength & Conditioning: Dedicated time for physical training, including strength training, agility drills, and recovery sessions.
4. scrimmages: Full-field scrimmages to assess players’ performance in game-like scenarios.These are crucial for evaluating tactical understanding and decision-making.

This rigorous schedule mirrors the demands of professional soccer, preparing players for the transition to the next level. The camp also incorporates sports psychology sessions, focusing on mental preparation and building confidence.

Key Players to Watch: Emerging stars

Several players stood out during the recent camp, showcasing their potential to become future stars for the USWNT. While specific player evaluations are often confidential, observers noted impressive performances from:

Midfielder, Olivia Moultrie: Already a rising star in the NWSL, Moultrie demonstrated exceptional vision and passing range.

Forward, Mia Bhuta: A prolific goalscorer in college soccer, Bhuta’s clinical finishing and attacking instincts were on full display.

Defender, Maycee Bell: A commanding presence in the backline, Bell’s tackling ability and aerial prowess impressed coaches.

Goalkeeper, Neeku Purcell: Showcased exceptional shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area.

These players, along with others, represent the exciting future of US women’s soccer. Their continued development will be closely monitored as they progress through their collegiate and professional careers.

The Pathway to the USWNT: From U-23 to Senior Team

The U-23 program serves as a vital bridge between the youth national teams and the full USWNT. While not a direct pipeline, it provides a crucial stepping stone for players to gain international experience and showcase their abilities to senior team coaches.

Here’s a typical pathway:

1. Youth National Teams (U-14, U-16, U-18): Early identification and development of promising players.
2. U-20 World Cup: A significant tournament for showcasing talent on a global stage.
3. U-23 Team Camp & Matches: Intensive training and competitive opportunities to prepare players for the senior team.
4. NWSL & Professional Leagues: Gaining experience and consistently performing at a high level in professional leagues.
5. USWNT Call-Up: Earning a spot on the full national team roster based on performance and potential.

The U-23 camp provides invaluable exposure to the demands of international soccer, helping players adapt to the speed, physicality, and tactical complexity of the game.

Benefits of the U-23 Program: Beyond Skill Development

The benefits of participating in the U-23 program extend far beyond technical and tactical skill development. Players gain:

Increased Visibility: Exposure to national team coaches and scouts.

Networking Opportunities: Building relationships with other top players and coaches.

International Experience: Gaining valuable experience competing against international opponents.

Leadership Development: Opportunities to develop leadership skills and take on greater duty.

Enhanced Mental toughness: Learning to cope with pressure and perform at their best in challenging situations.

These benefits contribute to the holistic development of players,preparing