Sawyers Soundbites
WPS General Draft reaction from Sky Blue FC Head Coach and General Manager Ian Sawyers:
Again, as in the last draft, I am delighted with the mix of players I was able to select. In this group we have international experience, either the full US National team, Under 23 or Under 20 US National teams. So they've played in big games, under pressure, and they bring that high level of playing experience with them to our team. All four of them also come from high level collegiate programs; at least two have won NCAA National Championships.
Trying to do your homework is the most difficult thing; especially when there are a lot of concerns, ground to be covered, budgetary constraints, and seeing players at the peak of their playing season, which is not always easy. As soon as I got on board I immediately went to Portugal (to the Algarve Cup in February) to try to get the download on international players, W-League and WPSL games and combines, and players in collegiate environment to try to get a sense of the general depth of talent. It all affects your perspective on both American and international talent, and assists in maximizing the odds, so you are always reaching for the cream of the crop.
One of the things you’ll see in WPS, is that coaches have chosen international players for almost all the offensive skill positions. One of great results is that Americans will compete with and against them, get better from that, and learn from them.
One of the major differences between the WPS and my tenure with the WUSA is we don’t have the headliners this time around. There’s no Mia Hamm, Birgit Prinz-- the real household names ’99 brought. The beauty of this is that WPS will make a lot of stars. For some of these players, their professional journey is just beginning. Being able to forge their way into the American consciousness will be an exciting journey for them.
My wife and child haven’t seen me in three weeks. This last week I had to get my blackberry surgically removed from my ear—I was talking to so many players, interviewing them. The thing we all have to remember is that this is like the futures market. You’re banking that even while you’ve seen these players, they come in fit, healthy, and strong. That’s the investment you’re willing to take, based on your character assessment as well as an evaluation of their soccer. For the most part, I was lucky in the past. I’ve had a lot of success with my speculation. I really feel good about our group, who are great people, as well as great athletes and soccer players. One of our major challenges will be to make them into a great team.
The most important part of any team is that it becomes a meritocracy; that players earn their way onto the team. There are some who have earned respect by winning gold medals and World Cups, and there are some staring their journey. Senior players will want to prove they’re worthy, and junior players will want to establish themselves. We want to create an environment that allows for both, as well as a strong sense of team cohesion.
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