John Napier and Maddie Bauer

Youth Soccer News: John Napier on The Four Cal South Girls that are in the Women’s National U17 team to play Japan.

These young ladies were all born in 1995, so I had them with me for two years with my ODP Girls 95 teams. They are all fantastic players and will do Cal South proud.

I am also so proud of them for what they have accomplished so far in their young soccer careers. 

Maddie Bauer:

When I first took over the 95 Girls ODP team it was obvious to me what a talent she was. I spoke to her and wanted her to be one of my captains because I saw great leadership in her both on and off the field. Other players looked up to her and she led by example. On the field I played her at many positions, and she excelled everywhere. She is technically sound and a very calm player under pressure; she certainly has a very bright future in the game.

Maddie has committed to Stanford for her college career.

Amber Munerlyn:

Amber was recognized early at the National level, and has been a great success with the National team. She is a very talented forward who has already scored quite a few goals at the higher level. Her strengths are her great break away speed and a natural eye for finishing. Amber was also one of my captains. She is technically sound and so hard for defenders to stop as she is quick to the ball. She is another player that will have a great future. When I played her up top, she created so many scoring opportunities, not only for herself but the rest of the team.

Amber has also committed to Stanford for her college career. 

Kayla Mills:

Kayla has come so far. She is an example for every young player to just watch her passion and desire and committement to our game. I played Kayla at many different positions and she can play them all, at the back, midfield, up front. She always wants to learn, and she was always asking me, "How am I doing, what can I work on?" Her total dedication to getting better has taken her where she is today. She always wants the ball, always leads by example, and never gets down on herself. I am so pleased for her, she deserves it.

Kayla has committed to USC for her college career. 

America's future soccer stars: Amber Munerlyn on left, Ana Cruz in the middle and Maddie Bauer on right.

Arielle Ship:

Another very good player, Arielle came into my group after she arrived from Colorado in 2009. She is a really good technical player, a good student of the game, and another kid that is always wanting feed back to help her game. I have spent many hours with Arielle talking about how she can become the best; it took a little longer for her, but it was only a matter of time. She is now a very composed player on the ball. Soccer to her is a way of life, and she is another young player that will go big time.

Not sure where she will commit to college, but it will have many opportunities.

Arielle Ship facing camera with Kayla Mills on her right	Kayla Mills

I can’t finish this column without mentioning the other young girls in my 95 ODP teams that have been in and out of the National pools over the last two years, players such as Kelly McCann, who has been so unfortunate with injuries that have really held her back, because I am sure she would have also been in more National team selections.

Also Victoria Manfredonia, Nicky Martino, Sara Teegarden, Bryce Watts, Ana Cruz, and Jenna Reeves.

Their turn may come again -- I certainly hope so -- but if not they sure have given their best effort. I know they will go on to be very good players in college, and probably the professional leagues.