The Washington Freedom Club had 11 girls in the ’92-’95 age bracket selected to attend The United Soccer Leagues Super Y-League ODP National Camp, which wrapped up on Sunday, February 22, 2009. The top players from each geographic division of the Super Y-League were selected for the camps. During the camps, these players had the opportunity to develop in a professional environment against the top two percent of players in the Super Y-League. While at the camp, the players also had the opportunity to get identified by U.S. National Staff coaches and top collegiate coaches. At the closure of the final day, the coaches met one final time to announce the 2009 Super Y-League Select Team rosters for the three age divisions. Out of the 11 girls from the Washington Freedom that were selected to the camp, four were chosen for the Select Team rosters:
- Alexandra Clarke: a forward from the ‘94/’95 age group
- Caroline Gray: a midfielder from the ’93 age group
- Darby Wiegand: a midfielder from the ’93 age group
- Josephine Seebeck: a midfielder from the ’93 age group
Along with CASL Elite, Washington Freedom had the most girls out of any other club in the region selected to the Super Y-League Select Team rosters. The girls selected to the rosters contributed their success to the overall philosophy, atmosphere, players and coaching staffs of the Washington Freedom club. As Clarke said, “I feel I was able to stand out amongst the many players at National Camp because my coaches and teammates constantly challenge me to be at my best, which prepared me to play at the highest levels.” Wiegand agreed and said that her coaches have helped her to “grow and mature into a better player.” Seebeck thought that both the “individual and leadership skills” she has been taught playing with Freedom helped her to achieve.
Washington Freedom’s vision is to “build a traditional club wherein our ultimate goal is to develop players from the youngest ages to one day play with other top professional athletes for our professional team. Our vision begins with Freedom youth club team affiliates and coaches in Maryland and Virginia that during the summer blend into high quality Super Y-League teams.” The four girls all hope to one day work their way up to the professional team. Wiegand said, “Playing for the Freedom has been a dream of mine ever since I had begun to play soccer (which was when I was about 7). I remember going to every single one of the Freedom games and admiring all of the players on the team.” Seebeck agreed and said that “playing with the Washington Freedom professional team is definitely a goal I want to pursue.”
As the girls look ahead to the future, it is obvious that they are part of the ultimate vision of the Washington Freedom. Just as Seebeck said that “it was an honor” to make the Select Team roster, it is an honor to have these selected players be a part of the Freedom.
