Oregon Girls :OPL "All Star Team" or ODP .. What do college coaches say?

[OrSoccerMom]

This is simply a cut and paste from ODP communications. It is intriguing and it does beg the question is there really a huge advantage to play on an All Star Team vs ODP?

I doubt very seriously if we will all agree and I am fully expecting a sling of insults which generally happens when ODP comes up. Even so, it is food for thought.

Additionally, it is important to note that Oregon Girls ODP pools have done so well in the past couple of years that it would truly be a shame to derail it in the name of progress. Any progress will not help our children as it will take years to evolve.

Opinions anyone?

Next Year

Rumors will always be there, but we’ve all heard how the OPL wants to create an all-star team on the girl’s side and take ODP players away. I will never get in the way of a player wanting to do something else, but I’ve summoned most of the top college coaches in the state of Oregon to give me their feedback on what an elite female soccer player should do to better themselves and where they will look to find their players. Here’s what we can came up with. For anybody who doesn’t believe the list below; let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the coaches we polled.

College Coach School ODP or OPL All Star Team
Mac Wilson University of Oregon ODP
Tara Erickson University of Oregon ODP
Linus Rhodes OSU ODP
Chris Brown OSU ODP
Michelle Voiland OSU ODP
Grant Landy Concordia ODP
Dom Doty Linfield ODP
Jerry Smith Santa Clara ODP
Janine Szpara CCC ODP
Jon Clement Southern Oregon ODP
Stephanie Pogue Southern Oregon ODP
Steve Ancheta Western Oregon ODP
Laura Schott Portland State ODP
Rochelle Hearns Portland State ODP
Mel Langley Portland State ODP

[Unregistered]

This is simply a cut and paste from ODP communications. It is intriguing and it does beg the question is there really a huge advantage to play on an All Star Team vs ODP?

I doubt very seriously if we will all agree and I am fully expecting a sling of insults which generally happens when ODP comes up. Even so, it is food for thought.

Additionally, it is important to note that Oregon Girls ODP pools have done so well in the past couple of years that it would truly be a shame to derail it in the name of progress. Any progress will not help our children as it will take years to evolve.

Opinions anyone?

Next Year

Rumors will always be there, but we’ve all heard how the OPL wants to create an all-star team on the girl’s side and take ODP players away. I will never get in the way of a player wanting to do something else, but I’ve summoned most of the top college coaches in the state of Oregon to give me their feedback on what an elite female soccer player should do to better themselves and where they will look to find their players. Here’s what we can came up with. For anybody who doesn’t believe the list below; let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the coaches we polled.

College Coach School ODP or OPL All Star Team
Mac Wilson University of Oregon ODP
Tara Erickson University of Oregon ODP
Linus Rhodes OSU ODP
Chris Brown OSU ODP
Michelle Voiland OSU ODP
Grant Landy Concordia ODP
Dom Doty Linfield ODP
Jerry Smith Santa Clara ODP
Janine Szpara CCC ODP
Jon Clement Southern Oregon ODP
Stephanie Pogue Southern Oregon ODP
Steve Ancheta Western Oregon ODP
Laura Schott Portland State ODP
Rochelle Hearns Portland State ODP
Mel Langley Portland State ODP

Question: How many of the coaches polled are current, former or are considering an ODP coaching position? This could influence their answer to the question. I know I recognize several.

[OrSoccerMom]

Okay... Problem no. 1: Conflict of Interest... We can't trust college coaches from Oregon.

Are we to trust our docs? No conflict there.

It is just a discussion and I believe that ODP coaching by college coaches is more of recruiting tool than it is a money maker. Remember all regions have college coaches. They all talk and they all know each other. Just saying.

Region IV 96g pool coaches include a University of Southern California and a USC Berkley coach as well as a Florida state. Not bad exposure.

[Unregistered]

No question ODP for girls

No question for the girls it is ODP, for Boys it is DA, and WCDA. ODP is a waste of time now.

[Unregistered]

Dude watch your acronyms, what do you mean?

So an all star OPL team would move on to where? They would play other teams from what other states? And have a regional championship where? With the winner moving on to what national championship? With what National team coaches in attendance? I can understand the reason OPL started, but now it's turned into a jealous power grab with the kids being the real losers.

[Unregistered]

ODP is a waste of time now.

I would totally disagree with you here.

Some players come from teams that dont play premier level club ball. On those teams they are the best, but due to the results of the team, they dont play against the best in the state.

ODP offers all players an opportunity to play with/against the best that tryout. Many of which develop much quicker then they would on their club team. Without this continued development, they would never stand a chance at being accepted onto a DA team.

[Unregistered]

I thought there was an all star team already in 97 G group.....The Usonians!

[Unregistered]

ODP is what is available right now. Until the DA is up and running and until it actually holds any clout for this state, ODP is still the best option even for boys. The Timbers have taken over ODP for boys and that is almost certainly where your academy team is going to start. How on earth can you believe that ODP is a waste of time?

I have to wonder if you are one of the parents of children who tried out and did not make it once or twice and totally wrote it off and looked for any excuse for why it is a waste of time and how it would never be a good option.

[Unregistered]

I would totally disagree with you here.

Some players come from teams that dont play premier level club ball. On those teams they are the best, but due to the results of the team, they dont play against the best in the state.

ODP offers all players an opportunity to play with/against the best that tryout. Many of which develop much quicker then they would on their club team. Without this continued development, they would never stand a chance at being accepted onto a DA team.

Thank you. ODP for my son was not perfect but motivating for him and a chance to play with better players and learn from different coaches. It was a very positive experience for him. It's a bit insulting hearing all the time it is a waste of time. Something better may open up for him in the future but for now it gives my middle-school aged son a positive experience and I see him grow from it.

[Unregistered]

My daughter ( I realize it may be different for boys but at her age group the boys too are strong) has participated in the ODP system for four full years and will be trying out for year 5. This has been a wonderful experience for her. She has bonded with girls from all over the western region. She has friends that are on ECNL teams in other states and it is a great avenue. There will always be more than one way to skin a cat (horrible expression) however there is still much value in what ODP has to offer both boys and girls in this state.

[Unregistered]

No question for the girls it is ODP, for Boys it is DA, and WCDA. ODP is a waste of time now.

Dude, re-read your post and it makes sense now. Yeah, ODP for the boys might be waning. I don't have boys so the whole DA thing seems great for the guys. A direct line to the pros, can't get much better than that right?

Original post was OPL vs. ODP. One running with a history and success, one new and without support nationally. really no question on the girls side.

[Unregistered]

Dude, re-read your post and it makes sense now. Yeah, ODP for the boys might be waning. I don't have boys so the whole DA thing seems great for the guys. A direct line to the pros, can't get much better than that right?

Original post was OPL vs. ODP. One running with a history and success, one new and without support nationally. really no question on the girls side.

Agree. The fact that OPL is even considering having an "all-star" team in lieu of ODP reeks. If you want your daughter to be a guinea pig, go for it.

[Unregistered]

It almost seems like the OPL leaders are consumed with teaching OYSA a lesson that they are willing to sacrifice a number of high school age players that need programs now. Why cant a long term plan be developed that addresses the gap... oh, that is right because then the two sides would need to work together for a common purpose.

This is nonsense people. Stop and let's get competetive youth soccer for all of ORegon not just Portland back on track!!!

[Unregistered]

ODP is what is available right now. Until the DA is up and running and until it actually holds any clout for this state, ODP is still the best option even for boys. The Timbers have taken over ODP for boys and that is almost certainly where your academy team is going to start. How on earth can you believe that ODP is a waste of time?

I have to wonder if you are one of the parents of children who tried out and did not make it once or twice and totally wrote it off and looked for any excuse for why it is a waste of time and how it would never be a good option.

I would tend to agree re ODP, but is it odd that if they are "taking over" there is not a definitive agreement? From June 2011 Minutes on OYSA website

"We are still negotiating some deal points with the Timbers on the formal agreement"

Not like this is the NFL collective bargaining agreement, but it seems to be taking as long or longer....

[Unregistered]

Go to any women's college web site, check out the incoming freshman player roster, and see what's listed on the player's resume's. It's national team experience, regional team experience, ODP, ECNL and occassional HS/club notables. No mention of "all star" teams because there is no credibility/history behind such a team. Participation on an OPL all star team, especially if the player is of high school age, will not aid the player in advancing to the collegic level if that's the player's goal. An OPL all star team will attract some ODP players - most likely those that have had limited success in advacing to regionals and beyond. It will most likely dillute the player's pool at ODP and result in a weaker ODP team and a weaker all star team. This is not good for competitive soccer in Oregon.

Now if there were an Oregon ECNL team, there's some value in that.