By Nick Gasparro
Chula Vista, CA – The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center recently played host to an intensive training camp for the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Women’s National Team from January 2nd to January 10th, 2024. A total of 51 individuals, comprising 36 athletes and 15 staff members, gathered at the world-class facility south of San Diego for an immersive preparation session.
During their stay, the U.S. Soccer team had exclusive access to a range of top-notch amenities at the CVEATC. The athletes utilized the center’s soccer fields for rigorous practice sessions, availed themselves of the strength and conditioning center to enhance their physical prowess, and benefitted from the Sports Therapy building’s ice baths and massages for recovery. Additionally, conference spaces facilitated tactical discussions, while overnight stays were organized in the center’s dormitories, ensuring a comprehensive training experience. The dining hall provided nourishing meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, catering to the specific dietary needs of the athletes.
Under the guidance of head coach Katie Schoepfer, the U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team comprised 36 players who gathered for this crucial training camp. This camp held significant importance as it served as the final preparatory event before Coach Schoepfer would make the critical decision of selecting the 21-player roster for the upcoming 2024 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship.
2024 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship., scheduled to take place in Mexico in February, serves as the qualifying event for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The U.S. team is eager to secure one of the top three spots in the tournament, ensuring their participation in the prestigious World Cup. The qualifying tournament, set to unfold in Mexico from February 1st to 11th, will see the USA compete in Group B alongside formidable opponents Canada, Puerto Rico, and Panama.
A notable aspect of the U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team is the inclusion of two professional players – Melanie Barcenas from San Diego Wave FC and Alexandra Pfeiffer from Kansas City Current. This marks the second instance of professional players joining the U-17 roster, following a precedent set in a training camp held last September. Additionally, midfielder Ashlyn Puerta, who plays on a boys’ team in MLS NEXT with Albion SC, adds a unique dynamic to the team.
The age composition of the squad is noteworthy, with the majority of players, 35 out of 36, born in 2007, the designated cutoff year for eligibility in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The exception to this trend is midfielder Kimmi Ascanio, born in 2008, showcasing the exceptional talent and diversity within the team.
With eleven players hailing from Southern California, including four from San Diego, and the overall roster boasting representatives from 17 different states and 28 different clubs, the U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team epitomizes a blend of regional diversity and national talent.
As the team wraps up their intense training camp at CVEATC, they carry with them not just physical prowess but also a cohesive team spirit and strategic game plans. The soccer enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the team’s performance in the upcoming Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship, confident that the comprehensive training received at Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center has prepared them for the challenges ahead.
