By Nick Gasparro
Chula Vista, CA – From February 20th to February 29th, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center played host to the U.S. Under-16 Women’s Youth National Team, marking the team’s first training camp of the year. This camp, led by head coach Patchy Toledo, brought together 24 promising players born in 2008, all gearing up for the upcoming 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
A total of 48 individuals, including players and staff, participated in the intensive training sessions held at CVEATC. The comprehensive amenities provided by the center ensured that the team had everything they needed for a successful camp.
During their stay, U.S. Soccer had full access to the soccer fields, allowing for rigorous training sessions to refine skills and tactics. Additionally, the sports therapy building provided essential support with services like massages and ice baths, aiding in the players’ recovery and physical well-being.
CVEATC’s conference spaces served as venues for team meetings and tactical discussions, fostering a conducive environment for strategic planning and team bonding. Moreover, the comfortable overnight accommodations in the center’s dormitories ensured that the players could rest and recharge between training sessions.
Nutrition played a crucial role in the athletes’ preparation, and the dining hall provided balanced meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to fuel their rigorous training regime.
One notable aspect of the training camp was the diversity within the team, with players hailing from 17 different youth clubs across the United States. Among them, Solar SC in Texas and the San Diego Surf stood out, each contributing three players to the talented roster.
As the U.S. Under-16 Women’s Youth National Team wrapped up their training camp at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, they departed with sharpened skills, strengthened camaraderie, and a shared determination to represent their country with pride on the international stage.
U.S. U-16 WYNT ROSTER BY POSITION (CLUB; HOMETOWN) CHULA VISTA, CALIF. TRAINING CAMP
Goalkeepers (3): Josie Biehl (San Diego Surf SC; Carlsbad, Calif.), Hannah Folliard (Galaxy SC; Plainfield, Ill.), Evan O’Steen (Solar SC; Grapevine, Texas)
Defenders (8): Natalie Chudowsky (New York SC; Westport, Conn.), Alexa Douglass (Real Colorado; Denver, Colo.), Sierra Dupre (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC; Pittsburgh, Pa.), Rhiannon Mahon (Solar SC; Celina, Texas), Gracelynn Milam (Lou Fusz Athletic; Saint Charles, Mo.), Cali O’Neill (North Carolina Courage; Durham, N.C.), Sydney Schmidt (Jacksonville FC; St. Johns, Fla.), London Young (Solar SC; Dallas, Texas)
Midfielders (7): Scottie Antonucci (Legends FC; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), Brooke Bunton (Jacksonville FC; Greencove Springs, Fla.), Pearl Cecil (San Diego Surf SC; Encinitas, Calif.), Riley Kennedy (North Carolina Courage; Holly Springs, N.C.), Paige Pasinski (SC del Sol; Phoenix, Ariz.), Jaiden Rodriguez (San Diego Surf SC; San Diego, Calif.), Charlee Siria (Ohio Elite SA; Lexington, Ky.)
Forwards (6): Mikayla Cunningham (Classics Elite SA; San Antonio, Texas), Jordan Hill (Solar SC; Dallas, Texas), Micayla Johnson (Michigan Hawks; Troy, Mich.), Ella Kral (Lamorinda SC; Berkeley, Calif.), Alyssa Parsons (Orlando City Soccer School; Apopka, Fla.), Nyanya Touray (Bethesda SC; Silver Spring, Md.)