WPS General Draft reaction from Sky Blue FC Head Coach and General Manager Ian Sawyers:
Again, as in the last draft, I am delighted with the mix of players I was able to select. In this group we have international experience, either the full US National team, Under 23 or Under 20 US National teams. So they've played in big games, under pressure, and they bring that high level of playing experience with them to our team. All four of them also come from high level collegiate programs; at least two have won NCAA National Championships.
Trying to do your homework is the most difficult thing; especially when there are a lot of concerns, ground to be covered, budgetary constraints, and seeing players at the peak of their playing season, which is not always easy. As soon as I got on board I immediately went to Portugal (to the Algarve Cup in February) to try to get the download on international players, W-League and WPSL games and combines, and players in collegiate environment to try to get a sense of the general depth of talent. It all affects your perspective on both American and international talent, and assists in maximizing the odds, so you are always reaching for the cream of the crop.
One of the things you’ll see in WPS, is that coaches have chosen international players for almost all the offensive skill positions. One of great results is that Americans will compete with and against them, get better from that, and learn from them.
One of the major differences between the WPS and my tenure with the WUSA is we don’t have the headliners this time around. There’s no Mia Hamm, Birgit Prinz-- the real household names ’99 brought. The beauty of this is that WPS will make a lot of stars. For some of these players, their professional journey is just beginning. Being able to forge their way into the American consciousness will be an exciting journey for them.
My wife and child haven’t seen me in three weeks. This last week I had to get my blackberry surgically removed from my ear—I was talking to so many players, interviewing them. The thing we all have to remember is that this is like the futures market. You’re banking that even while you’ve seen these players, they come in fit, healthy, and strong. That’s the investment you’re willing to take, based on your character assessment as well as an evaluation of their soccer. For the most part, I was lucky in the past. I’ve had a lot of success with my speculation. I really feel good about our group, who are great people, as well as great athletes and soccer players. One of our major challenges will be to make them into a great team.
The most important part of any team is that it becomes a meritocracy; that players earn their way onto the team. There are some who have earned respect by winning gold medals and World Cups, and there are some staring their journey. Senior players will want to prove they’re worthy, and junior players will want to establish themselves. We want to create an environment that allows for both, as well as a strong sense of team cohesion.
Years ago, when my eldest soccer daughter was young, she found her role models in the so-called '91ers (those veterans who had played on the first women's soccer World Championship team). They later became the wildly famous "women of '99," (that year's World Cup). Seeing the light in my two girls' eyes, I vowed to do anything to support those on whom both my daughters eventually focused their dreams.
So, when PERT shampoo commercials began to feature a hair-swinging Mia Hamm, I promptly bought a bottle. I brought it home, found the 800 number on the back, and called the corporate office. "I want to let you know I am buying your product because you use the soccer star Mia Hamm in your commercials." They thanked me, and sent me coupons for more shampoo.
I thought of this story last weekend, when the New York Times Sunday magazine cover story came out on ACL injuries in female athletes, sending the millions of those involved in girls’ and women’s soccer into a panic. I thought of the crowds and incredible response Sky Blue and Atlantic Sports Health have received for our joint ACL clinics, and the email that was already coming in based on that article, asking for more such information.
I thought of the morning when my older soccer daughter woke up with a foot swollen to twice its size, and the prompt and effective service she got at Atlantic Sports Health. That was our first call: to the group of sports medicine professionals that I knew were well-versed in my daughter’s sport. When we support our sponsors, we thank them in the most direct, tangible fashion. We give them our business, because it is an expression of both our faith in them, and our gratitude for their support of Sky Blue, WPS and women's soccer.
I value the support of Atlantic Sports Health, and all of our sponsors. I plan to give them my business whenever it is relevant, and to spread the word about their services.
We are all messengers; we are all customers. Why not use our power where and when it counts? Remember this, the next time you see a sign that someone supports Sky Blue, WPS, or women's soccer.
SBS Blogger
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