On a lighter note, here’s a post offering some behind-the-scenes insight.
The following is our original email sent to the University of North Carolina, arguably the nation’s most prestigious women’s program. I’m sharing this now that our girls team (our first and likely last) has aged out.
Hello Chris and UNC Staff,
I am writing you with regards to what in my opinion is the best Center Back in this age group. Her name is Taylor Ramirez and she is a 2011. When I say the best prospect I mean there is nobody that is even close. That being said, I’m sure you guys get hundreds if not thousands of these emails or suggestions. Know that this is coming from a credible soccer source who has worked in boys club soccer for about 8 years and has won it all as coach and trainer. Please take the time to read this and take it very very serious.
Taylor is truly a special player and incredible leader and competitor. In the scouting I’ve done in this age group over 6 months I have not seen anybody near her level in terms of 1 v 1 defending, organizing a team out of the back, anticipation, reading the game, organizing team out of the back, and physically she is at another level. It’s not even close. Set piece offense and defense in the air is just unfair. Her growth and development in her game since I’ve coached her is tremendous. I can go on and on.
Now with regards to Taylor, I spoke briefly to Chris Ducar at Surf Cup. Our team was not participating but did play in Far West Regional League over the weekend in Northern California. We beat MVLA Avalanche, So Cal Blues, and tied Real So Cal and lead the standings. That being said, the 2 schools present who watched our games cannot stop calling me about Taylor. Stanford and Santa Clara have added their names to the entire Big West schools. The Stanford coach, Paul Ratcliffe approached me 20 minutes into the game with Real So Cal not believing what he was seeing. EVERY SINGLE coach who sees Taylor play approaches me immediately after the game inquiring who she is and if she has commited yet.
My reason for this email is to again express that Taylor wants nothing but to play for you at UNC. I know the prestige of your program and that only comes with a top level staff. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to see how we can make this a reality. You will not regret your decision to come out for a day to see her play.
We are playing in Far West Regional League this weekend Aug 22 and 23 in Temecula vs Eagles, Sereno, and Crescenta Valley. All the programs that have seen her are pressuring for her commitment. She is holding out with the aspiration that you guys can have a look. BELIEVE ME, you will not regret making the trip out west!!!!
Sincerely,
Brian Kleiban
Anson promptly responded, and the rest is history.
The following is a nice little clip that captures some technique during her first ever National Team camp last week.
Why is this likely your last girls team? Seems like you’ve had some success.
Simply that we much prefer the men’s game.