USL News Release
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues announced today the schedule for the second annual W-League Combine. Accordingly, USLSoccer.com sat down with W-League Director, Melanie Fitzgerald to discuss the combine schedule, her thoughts on the 2008 W-League Combine and the additions to the W-League Combine Coaching staff.
USLSOCCER.COM: What changes did you make to the 2009 schedule?
FITZGERALD: We did not make any drastic changes to the 2009 schedule aside from the fact we plan to meet with WPS and W-League coaches each evening to evaluate players. These meetings will give the WPS and W-League coaches the opportunity to evaluate and separate players into three tiers. We will use these tiers to reshape the teams so the players in the top tier will be competing against each other in their final game, the middle tier of players will play each other in their final game and the same for the bottom tier of players. We believe this will better enable the WPS coaches to evaluate the players they have identified while playing with and against players that have been considered equally as talented.
USLSOCCER.COM: How successful was the 2008 W-League Combine in getting players into the WPS Draft?
FITZGERALD: It was a great success. We anticipated many W-League players would be drafted into WPS and we could not have been more correct. The inaugural combine allowed WPS coaches the opportunity to watch players compete against one another outside of their club environment. A total of 35 players were selected in the WPS General draft and continued to maintain roster spots throughout the 2009 season. Just this week six players of the 13 players selected in the WPS Expansion Draft were 2008 combine participants.
USLSoccer.com: What topics will be discussed during the WPS meeting on Saturday?
FITZGERALD: WPS coaches will be discussing each of their organizations and the benefits associated with playing for their club. We are told that there are currently 44 roster spots for W-League players to fill. The coaches will also be providing a clear understanding of the process of becoming a professional soccer player, the expectation that comes with it and some encouragement about 44 rosters spots being available for W-League players. Many of them can and will play WPS in the 2010 Season.
USLSoccer.com: Who are the new additions to the Combine Coaching staff?
FITZGERALD: New additions to the W-League Combine coaching staff include Ranbir Shergill from the Ventura County Fusion and Jesse Kolmel from the Hudson Valley Quickstrike. Returning coaches include George Fotopoulos from the Tampa Bay Hellenic, Craig Smith from the Ottawa Fury, Craig Deacon from the Colorado Force and Tony Anglin from the Chicago Red Eleven. We have a strong group represented from the W-League as a whole. The veterans bring their experience from the 2008 W-League Combine. The new coaches bring a fresh outlook as well.
USLSoccer.com: What were your thoughts on the WPS final?
FITZGERALD: The WPS Final was exciting from my perspective. Jersey Sky Blue’s roots were established in the W-League. It was thrilling to see them go through some adversity during the season and peak at the right moment to come out on top. I am extremely proud of players on both sides (LA and Sky Blue) for their perseverance throughout the 2009 season and for staying committed to the sport over all these years through various outlets including the W-League. It was special to see a W-League alumnae such as Heather O’Reilly lift the WPS trophy and give players both young and old something to dream and aspire towards.
