Celebrating the Success of LISC Players in the ODP National Team Selection!
Long Island Soccer Club (LISC) is proud to announce the remarkable achievement of two of our members, Mia Hennelly (Girls 2009 Academy) and Jake Hobi (Boys 2009 Academy), who have been selected to represent the prestigious US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Team. This accomplishment not only highlights the talent and dedication of these individuals but also underscores the excellence and commitment to player development within LISC.
The US Youth Soccer ODP program is renowned for identifying and nurturing high-caliber players for potential selection to national teams. Players invited to interregional events are scouted at their Regional Summer ID event and compete alongside top players from other regions. Region staff and ODP scouts evaluate players during these events for the possibility to attend a USYS National Select Team event.
Mia Hennelly, a standout player for LISC, expressed her excitement about being selected for the ODP national team. “I am incredibly proud and honored to represent not only my country but also New York and LISC,” said Hennelly. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication I have put into my soccer journey, supported by the outstanding coaching and resources provided by LISC.”
Kelsey Hauser, Mia’s coach, added, “Mia’s maturity initially stood out to me. She holds herself accountable for her role on the field, her work rate in practice, and how she interacts with her teammates. She is almost always in the right position, unafraid to communicate with her team, and does so with graceful leadership ability. This impressed me for a young goalkeeper.”
Jake Hobi, another talented member of LISC, shared his excitement and pride in being selected for the National Team. “Soccer is my passion, and being chosen for the ODP East Regional Team is a dream come true,” said Hobi. “I am grateful for the unwavering support of my family, teammates, and coaches at LISC, who have played a significant role in my success.”
His coach, Tom Bowen, believes that Jake’s skills and qualities truly set him apart from others. “He’s not only a very talented player but he also works his socks off at every practice and every game and has a genuine desire to listen and improve his game,” Bowen explained. “He has this ability to jink and glide past players and pick a killer pass or get a shot off at goal. Even though defenders know he’s going inside onto his preferred left foot, they still can’t stop him. He’s fun to watch.”
Mia Hennelly and Jake Hobi’s selection to the ODP National Team is a cause for celebration for LISC and the local community. We invite everyone to come together in support of Mia and Jake, acknowledging their unwavering dedication and hard work as they strive to achieve their soccer dreams at the national level.
