Abigail's Journey in Olympic Development Program (ODP)
I figured I would share more information about Abigail's journey in Olympic Development Program (ODP) which started November 2014 - present. I hope this is informative. Most people are not familiar with the ODP process and I know many would like to learn more out of curiosity. The past year has been a whirlwind of continuous change and increased pressure. I have to remind myself she is only 13 (2002 birth year).
This year's ODP Selection process was different and the following information is based on the 2015 process. Let me know if you have questions about this year's process as it compares.
The crazy journey started here...
Abigail went to the 2002 birth year age group tryouts for Iowa ODP on December 6, 2014. Abigail was selected to be in the Iowa ODP Pool of approximately 25 girls. She attended Iowa ODP training events and Abigail represented Iowa ODP in 2015 within the 2002 Age group player pool. Out of the Iowa ODP pool, 18 were chosen to represent Iowa at the Region II ODP Showcase tournament on July 9 - 12, 2015. Immediately following that event (closing ceremonies), the Region II Pool of players were named. Abigail and 2 other Iowa girls were invited to the Region II Holdover (ID) Camp on July 12th, 2015. These players stayed for another 5 days of training and evaluation. From this pool (Region II Pool) of girls, they selected 18 to represent Region II at the Boca Raton Thanksgiving Interregional Event held on November 20-26, 2015 where Region's 1 - 4 played each other. (Region II in Age Group 2002 won their pool finishing perfect 3-0) We found out she was invited to this event on September 1, 2015. Then the fun begins, if you call stress, anxiety, pressure, uncertainty and nerves fun. We put Abigail on a plane from Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale where she was in the hands of the Region II Staff those 6 days. In the end, she had fun and learned a lot.After the Boca event, they sent out 28 US Youth National Training Camp invitations (NTC) to the 2002 age group and 18 invitations to the 2001 Age Group. Abigail leaves January 21st for NTC in Phoenix, AZ and returns January 26th. I believe they invited 28 at the 2002 age group to increase their national pool size at the younger age group to increase the chances for high quality National Team recruiting. And to help groom / prepare these kids for the possibility of US Youth National U14 / U15 / U16 / U17, etc. and college level of play.
What is a National Camp?
National Camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The National Team Coach or a National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train, and identify players for placement in the national pool or on a national team.Videos of the Games
Below are the videos of each game and then a highlight video of Abigail's goal in the 3rd game. Keep in mind when watching some of this video that these girls are 12 and 13 years of age. All 2002 or 2003 birth year. These games were FIFA Rules so once a player is subbed out, they cannot reenter the match. Abigail didn't play much in 1st and 2nd game, but she played entire 2nd half of the 3rd game.
Region II is Red and Black
Region II Wearing Red
Abigail subbed in at 57:00 and Got 1 assist at about 1:02
Region II Wearing White
Abigail came in at about 1:01 in this video.
Region II Wearing White
Abigail started the 2nd Half at about 34:00 then scored at about 35:00
Here are some highlights from her final day there...
Recap from Final Match Day
2002 Girls: Region II v. Region III
On the final day of 2002 play, Region II defeated Region III 1-0 to finish perfect with three wins and zero losses this week. Region II’s Abigail Santana scored her first goal of the week to give her team the lead in the 39th minute. Region II’s defense would hold and it grabbed the 1-0 victory to finish atop of the 2002 girls age group.Here is a link to a fun clip I edited of Abigail's goal in Boca.
Just thought you might be interested to see what this event looks like and the learning experience we have had along the way.
Enjoy!!!
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