College Captains from CASL

CASL is always excited to hear news that our former players earn leadership roles on their respective college teams. More often than not, players are voted on by their teammates and/or coaches to earn the spot of Captain. It's not an easy job as you have to earn the respect on and off the field from your peers. As a leader, you have to understand how to motivate a group of people toward a common goal, how to keep them motivated during a game, act on their behalf when a call is made, and be their advocate behind closed doors. You have to be an example on and off the field and inside the classroom. In some instances, a Captain may take the reigns of the team at a younger age, not just as a Senior, which means he/she has to lead people who are older than he/she is. Regardless, being named a Captain at the college level is truly an honor. I once had a professional who was reviewing my resume tell me never to downplay this role I had in college. 

People have shared with us that some former CASL ladies players are now Captains of their teams. We know that there are host of other CASL players in leadership roles, so please, share them with us. Or, tell us about involvement that you or your child has in college - perhaps he/she is collaborating in research with a professor or maybe he/she is dedicated to community service and travelling to another country for service. We want to know about it all: soccer and non-soccer stories. 

CASL Captains in College

Caitlin Shelton

I'm a little biased here as a former Furman Women's Soccer Paladin myself, but Caitlin Shelton ('91 CASL Elite Ladies) is captain of the Furman University Women's Soccer Team. Caitlin is a Senior this year at Furman, which is in Greenville, SC. The Paladins were recently tabbed as the preseason favorite in the Southern Conference in voting by the league's 11 head coaches. Caitlin along with four of her teammates were also named to the preseason All-SoCon team. It might just be coincidence, but Caitlin and I were the same number (#3) and played in same position... interesting! 

Katelyn Reeves

Katelyn Reeves ('92 CASL Elite) was recently named as co-captain by her Clemson University Tigers soccer teammates. Katelyn, who earned a starting role midway through her freshman year clearly earned the respect of her teammates and coaches as she started all 17 games as a sophomore in 2012. In a recent press release, Katelyn said, "It means the world to me to be voted by my teammates. To know that they look up to me as a leader just really means a lot. My most important role as captain will be to help keep the team together through the ups and downs of the season, and to be a leader, both vocally and by example, on and off the field." 

Haley Patsey

Lexi Miller

Haley Patsey ('93 CASL Elite Ladies) is the youngest of our Captain highlights. She is a sophomore at East Carolina University and was recently named as the ECU Pirates women's soccer team. She will join former CASL '91 Elite Girls player, Lexi Miller, who is the other team captain. Lexi is a rising Redshirt Junior at ECU who is coming off an injury from her sophomore season. ECU competes in Conference USA. They will open their 20th season as they travel to take on SoCon teams Davidson and Elon.

Meagan Proper

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has two former CASL standouts as Captains of the Spartans squad. Katie Durst and Ashley Stokes are two of the four captains for this years UNCG team. Last season, Durst helped anchor a back line that only allowed four goals in its last 10 games. She will be entering her final season with the Spartans. Stokes is entering her Junior year at UNCG. In her freshman season, she was selected to the Southern Conference All-Freshmen team. Last season, she appeared in 15 games making 12 starts for a squad that eventually brought home the SoCon regular season title. 

Meagan Proper ('90 CASL Elite) will return as Captain for the Wolfpack and lead the team in her final season. Last season, Meagan was the only player to start all 19 games. Meagan fought her way back from an injury plagued freshman year where she eventually earned a medical red shirt. Meagan, as with many of the other Captains highlighted here, is a role model on and off the field. Meagan was named to the ACC All-Academic team in Spring 2012.















Nicole Jewell ('91 CASL Elite Ladies) is

Nicole Jewell

entering her final season with the Northwestern Wildcats. She is coming off a Junior season where she played in all 19 games (starting 18) logging 1,225 minutes of game play. Northwestern's Coach Moynihan described Nicole and the other Captains by saying "all of them have good experience on the field and I think they are all players that the others look up to and respect. They walk the walk, they come prepared, they work hard and they've got the grit and determination that we're looking for....they are excellent role models across the board."

Scooter Oliver

The girls are not the only CASL players who are taking on leadership roles with their college teams. Scooter Oliver ('92 CASL Academy) is a team captain for the Campbell University Camels. Scooter was two year captain with his Academy team, and the skills he learned in that role have clearly carried over to the next level. Scooter is coming off a summer season with the U23 Carolina RailHawks team. You can catch Scooter and the Camels this week as they travel to NC State to take on the Wolfpack on Friday, August 30th. 

AJ Iames

AJ Iames ('93 CASL Elite Boys) is coming off a red-shirt sophomore season. Even with an injury, AJ has earned the respect of his teammates and will be leading the UNC Asheville Bulldogs as one of the captains this season. AJ will be a leader on the back line this year for the Bulldogs as they battle for the Big South Conference title.

Bo Burns

Bo Burns ('91 CASL Elite, '90 CASL Elite, U-16 Academy) will be taking the reigns of the Hampden-Sydney Men's Soccer team this season. Bo has been a starter for the last three seasons with the Tigers. He will anchor the back line and where he will be directing a young team - over half the team are incoming freshman. The Tigers will be hoping to make a return tot he ODAC Championship game this season as they did in 2010. 

JP Rafferty

Another addition the CASL Captains in College list is JP Rafferty ('91 CASL Elite; Academy) who is a Captain for the South Carolina Gamecocks.  JP is a Senior who has also excelled in the classroom. He has been consistently named to the SEC Fall Academic honor roll. JP, coming off a season where he started in 14 games and saw action in 16, will be turned to as a leader this year.   

Rain or Shine: Weekend Festivities Continue On

Saturday: RailHawks vs. NY Cosmos - FREE Nest Thermostat and installation giveaway courtesy of ARS / Rescue Rooter

The RailHawks will be taking on NY Cosmos on Saturday night at 7pm. It's also CASL Challenge night in the CASL Tower - click HERE to purchase your discounted CASL Tower tickets. Parents, put some trash bags and towels in your car in case of rainy weather at the game, but let's have fun cheering on the RailHawks as they try to hold on to their unbeaten record in league play at WakeMed Soccer Park ! I know I'll be there. 

Plus, any person that purchases a ticket in the CASL Tower and comes to the game is eligible to win a FREE Nest programmable WiFi thermostat and installation from new turf field and challenge division sponsor, ARS / Rescue Rooter. ARS / Rescue Rooter is the go to place for all your home comfort needs. The drawing will be held at the beginning of half-time! I will have the Nest thermostat and a certificate for free installation ready for you to take home after the game.

Have you ever seen one of these trucks around Wake County?
I know that I have - keep your eyes peeled for Dandy who is
always to the rescue of any heating, cooling, and plumbing needs!

Sunday: CASL Kick-Off & Ribbon Cutting to go on as Scheduled

A little rain never hurt anybody. We've all faced the rain in soccer whether as a player, parent, or coach, so a little threat of inclement weather on Sunday won't stop us! Plus, the chances of rain keep going down. We are right around a 30% chance of rain, and most of that will be scattered. 

CASL Recreation and Challenge coaches can pick up their team packets, and others can join us for the scheduled Ribbon Cutting at 3pm (Mayor McFarlane, Councilmember Odom, and our very own Charlie Slagle will be speaking) and the CASL Connection town-hall meeting at 4:30pm. CASL sponsor vendors will be stationed around the Eurosport Field, and small fields will also be set up for kids to enjoy. While this a time for coaches to pick up their team packets, all CASL players and families are welcome! 

Sunrise: 6:36 a.m.

Chance of precip: 30%

Wind: W at 5 mph

SUNDAY 82°

Mostly cloudy with a slight chance for some showers. Highs in the lower-mid 80s. Today is a much better day for outdoor plans as we expect a drier scenario with fewer showers around. With some brighter skies expected, we should see afternoon temperatures rise into the 80s.

Monday Morning Updates

WRAL Soccer Center Fields have CHANGED

Please be aware that the WRAL Soccer Center fields have changed. CASL has rotated Harris Teeter and Newcomb and Company Fields so there are two new additional grass fields as you exit the park on the right. As a result, field numbers have changed. New sponsors have come on board with CASL, so field names may also be different than you are used to. For example, ARS / Rescue Rooter Field is now the first turf field on your right (formerly Peace Camera & Nikon - which has been moved around the corner to a grass field). So, please, get familiar with the latest WRAL Soccer Center field game map and practice map. Both links are provided here. 

WRAL Soccer Center Practice Field Map

WRAL Soccer Center Game Map 

Turf Field Construction & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Of course, many of you are aware of the turf field changes already under way. The turf fields (soon to be new sponsors Powerade and Daly Seven Hotels fields) will be open in September. However, we will be holding a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Sunday at 3pm. This will be in conjunction with the CASL Kick-Off which runs from 3pm - 6pm. The Ribbon Cutting will be on Eurosport field with the new construction as the backdrop. Mayor Nancy MacFarlane, City Councilor John Odom, and many others will be on hand to help with the soft opening of the fields. Our very own Charlie Slagle will be speaking on behalf of CASL. Following the Ribbon Cutting will be the first in a series of CASL Connection (town-hall) meetings where we will discuss the latest updates from CASL and provide opportunities for you to provide input and ask questions.

Timeline for Sunday, August 18 - CASL Kick-Off and Ribbon Cutting

3:00pm CASL Kick-Off Begins

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 

4:30pm: CASL Connection Town-Hall meeting (same location as ribbon cutting)

6:00pm CASL Kick-Off Ends

*Coaches will be able to pick up their Recreation and Challenge team packets from 3-6pm. All are welcome to attend and enjoy sponsor exhibits, watch the ribbon cutting, be part of the CASL Connection Meeting, and play small-sided games on fields set-up for soccer fun!*

Haven House and HEART Hold First Practice

I experienced my first CASL Community Outreach volunteer experience this Saturday, and it was a great way to start off my weekend. The first hour (8:30-9:30am) was a practice session run for youth who are part of Haven House Services, Inc. in Raleigh, NC. Haven House has been providing comprehensive services to youth and their families since the 1970s. They are a well-established non-profit who are always looking for positive outlets for youth in their programs. This particular programs is open for those youth who have an interest in learning more about the game of soccer - kids ranged in age from 6 to 15. I helped with the younger kids, where we started doing dribbling relays. Lindsay Vera, Marketing and Special Projects Manager at CASL, took all the kids through skills relay races - normal dribbling and sole roles. The kids, although already hot by 8:45am, were eager and excited to play. 

Haven House

The second session was reserved for CASL's HEART team. HEART serves youth with an interest in

learning the game of soccer who have an intellectual disability. There were close to 30 youth and young adults who came to kick off the season. I met some wonderful people and their families. You could tell that the players were excited to be reunited as well. Grace and Michael, two HEART athletes, were hugging and screaming because they were so excited to be back together on the soccer field. Laney and Mia, both dressed in their pink soccer socks, were both a little timid as they were waiting in line for their chance to go 1 v 1. But, as I engaged them in a few side passing drills, they both opened up and were giving high-fives all-around. During the scrimmage, I buddied up with a young girl named Bella - probably the happiest person I've met in a long time. She held my hand as we learned how to spread the field, call for the ball, and run up and down the field. Now at the beginning of the session, Bella, too, was a little shy about stepping out on the field with so many HEART players. However, about half way through, she was ready to "gallop" out of her shell and around the field. Every goal scored during the day received cheers from both teams and parents who were there supporting their kids. 

I really encourage each of you to take 2 hours out of your Saturday morning and volunteer for this session. The next combination of Haven House/HEART clinics will be on August 24th from 8:30-10:30am at Davis Drive Park in Cary. It is truly rewarding and fun. If you are a high school student who needs community service hours, this is a great way to get your required hours but making it not feel like a requirement. A lot of credit goes to Martin Rodriguez-Arispe who has grown CASL's community outreach program in a short time to have an impact on many different underserved populations. For more information or to volunteer, contact Martin Rodriguez-Arispe. 

CASL HEART

HEART

When I say "heart", what do you think of?

You might think of a the band Heart, and belting out "What about love" in your car. Or, you might think of the Start! Heart Walk that happens in the fall to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease. You might simply think about Valentine's Day or a simple heart illustration. Just now, having "heart" on my brain as I write, I'm even thinking about the Grinch and how his heart grew three sizes. 

There are plenty of associations with the word "heart," and I want to add one more association into the mix. If you have not heard already, CASL also has a HEART. It comes in the form of an outreach effort that targets youth (ages 7-18) with intellectual disabilities. Participants get to play soccer in a safe, structured environment at no cost to their families.

The HEART season is just around the corner, with the first clinic on Saturday, August 10 at Davis Drive Park in Cary (9:30-10:30am). The season will consist of 6 weekend sessions each consisting of accommodating soccer skill drills and small-sided games. Participating in HEART gets youth physically active, engages them socially engaged, and promotes other social and psychological benefits including teamwork, confidence, and persistence. 

Former HEART participants have documented their love of the program. The Montanye family said, "our son Logan who has autism wanted to play soccer so badly...it was so hard for my husband and I to watch him want something so badly but could not be a part of it. You have made Logan happy. He calls HEART "MY" soccer." 

If you know someone who should join HEART, please pass on the accompanying flyer (click here for HEART flyer) or have them contact CASL's Community Outreach Coordiantor (Martin Rodriguez-Arispe). 

Click HERE to learn more about CASL's Community Outreach program. If you or your child is interested in VOLUNTEERING with HEART or any other Community Outreach initiative, please also reach out to Martin. We can provide documentation for community service hours, and we know that you will have a great time volunteering and teaching the game of soccer. 

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CASL Players in the Spotlight

CASL Players in the Spotlight

Camden Harrison is the 24th
ranked defender in the country
for 2016's

I received an email this morning from CASL's Director of Coaching, Rusty Scarborough, who said - "Good news keeps coming, even in the summer break period!" It's true. Even in the "off-season", CASL continues to recognized through our players, team, and league accomplishments. Now, I must say, this is not the first email I've gotten from Rusty in the past week. I've received multiple emails the past week and half that have taken me to various landing pages spotlighting our players and teams. We've tried to push them out individually, but I've decided to put them all in one place. 

TDS Combine Best XI - Boys

The most recent email from Rusty took me to the TopDrawerSoccer.com's recap of the TDS Raleigh Combine. College coaches and scouts evaluated players during technical sessions, small-sided games, and full field games. A handful of CASL players were recognized in the Best XI including Camden Harrison (class of 2016), Colin Daughtry (class of 2017), Jacob Degler (class of 2016), Alex Rose, and Lucas Del Rosario (class of 2017). Del Rosario has also received national attention with his participation on the U15 U.S. Boys National Team and ranked by TopDrawerSoccer.com as the 3rd best forward in the country (#1 in the South Atlantic region) for the 2017's. 

TDS Combine Best XI - Girls

During the same TDS Combine event that featured over 100 of the region's top boys and girls club soccer players, CASL ladies were also well-represented in the Best XI. Sarah Barnes (2016), Paige Griffiths (2016), and Cayley Kennedy (2017) were all named to the Best XI on the girls side. Cayley was the youngest girl to make the Raleigh Best XI. 

U-17 Women's National Team

This week, Taylor Otto ('96 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL) is at Ohio State University training with the U17 Women's National Team in preparation for the U17 CONCACAF Women's World Cup. Taylor was 1 of 28 girls from across the country called up to participate in the training camp. The training camp is currently underway and will run through July 31. 

id2 National Training Camp

Morgan Reid is the top defender
in the nation for her class

Morgan Reid ('94 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL), Kenley Sigmon ('95 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL) and Dom Babbit ('95 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL) will all be traveling to Oregon this summer to participate in the id2 National Training Camp. This invitation-only camp brings together the nation's top youth players for five days of competition, evaluation, and fun. Morgan is also currently ranked by TopDrawerSoccer.com as the #1 Defender, #1 player in the South Atlantic Region, and #2 player in her class across the nation.

CASL Ranked a Top 10 ECNL Club in the Nation

The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which is the highest level of elite girls competition in the nation, recently published their year-end review that recognized the top 10 ECNL clubs in the nation. The rank is based on consistent competitive excellence across multiple age groups. CASL ECNL teams (U14-U18) had an extremely successful year with top ranks in the Southeast Conference across multiple age groups, qualifying for the ECNL National Finals Playoffs, and making it the ECNL Final Rounds. CASL ended up tied for 8th with the San Diego Surf. This is the highest rank CASL ECNL has received.

                         2013 Overall Club Championship - Top 10

1. PDA

2. Dallas Sting

3. Eclipse Select

4. Dallas Texans

5. Slammers FC

6. Real So Cal

7. Colorado Rush

8T. CASL

                                 8T. San Diego Surf

                                 10. So Cal Blues

#CASLtbt- Guess who??

GUESS WHO? 

Hint: She's a rising U17 ECNL player who was recently called up to join the U17 U.S. Women's National Team Training Camp in preparation for the U17 CONCACAF World Cup. 

Answer: It's Taylor Otto, who is a member of the '96 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL rising U17 team. 

 

Taylor at 4 yrs old and Taylor now        

Taylor is featured as our CASL Throwback Thursday (#CASLtbt) on Facebook and Twitter (@caslnc). Earlier this week, Taylor was called to join 27 other elite soccer girls from across the nation at Ohio State University for the U17 Women's National Team Training Camp to take place July 21-31. Taylor spent the majority of last season recovering from an ACL injury, but her individual and team accolades throughout her youth soccer career secured her spot at this year's U17 Women's National Team Training Camp.

Taylor is ranked #98 by TopDrawerSoccer.com for all Club Soccer Girls in the nation. She has also been a part of the '97 Region III Olympic Development Regional Pool and has received invitations to participate at the US Soccer Training Center in Raleigh, the US Soccer U14 National ID Camp in Portland, and US Club Soccer ID2 Training Camps on two occasions. 

Taylor has been a member of the '96 Chelsea ECNL Ladies team since 2011 and played with the '96 CASL Spartan Elite Black from 2008-2011. She has helped her team bring home the NCYSA State Cup and the Disney Jr. Soccer Showcase Championship. Her ECNL team just came back from the National Finals in Richmond this week where they battled their way to a 4th place finish. 

It's no surprise that Taylor has found her way from humble beginnings of playing soccer in tennis shoes, when she is such a team player. She once said that, "Playing for this team ['96 CASL Spartan Elite Black] has taught me commitment, how to compete, and how to deal with adversity. It has also taught me how to respect the game I love. Best of all, being on this team gives me the chance to be with my friends almost every day. This team is like my family." 

We are proud to have Taylor as part of our CASL family, and we wish her the best of luck as she heads off to the biggest stage in soccer. 

Share your #CASLtbt pictures of your children or yourself with us today or tag them yourselves. 

#CASLtbt

#CASLtbt (ThrowbackThursday)

We are continuing to launch our #CASLtbt initiative through social media. This week, we remember these girls who were only 7 when this picture was taken (circa 2006). Now they are playing for U-14 Classic and Challenge teams. Please share your pictures with us through social media (twitter @caslnc #CASLtbt and facebook). We love reminiscing with you about the CASL days way back when! 

WRAL Soccer Center Field Construction

It won't be long until many of the WRAL Soccer Center fields become eligible for #CASLtbt. If you've driven by the WRAL Soccer Center recently, you've probably seen the tractors, fork lifts, rollers, bulldozers, surveyors and all sorts of other equipment that I don't know the names for. The machines and people are working hard in the heat to make sure the fields are ready for action this upcoming season. Fairway (field on the left as you enter the complex) is currently being transformed into turf fields. And, you may not be aware, but the back four fields are receiving a much needed upgrade through a grass turf planing process (see pictures below). A high-tech laser is used to help level the field. The fields will remain Bermuda Grass, but they will be more level, have the right peak for optimal drainage, and be a much better playing surface.