North Lamar High School sophomore Anslee Kennedy has been selected to play with the Olympic Development Program (ODP) North Texas soccer team, earning a prestigious opportunity to train and compete at an elite level. This honor will soon take her overseas as she embarks on an international sports tour to Manchester, England, where she and her teammates will train, play in friendly matches, and participate in educational experiences.
The Olympic Development Program was developed by US Youth Soccer (USYS) in 1977 to help facilitate growth and development among young soccer players, and to help identify the best youth soccer talent across the country. Many of the nation’s top players have participated in ODP during their youth careers, including over 90% of the United States’ 2019 Women’s World Cup roster.
Kennedy credits soccer with shaping her both on and off the field.
“Always play with integrity and dedication,” she said. “When you are in any situation in life, or a game, there will always be quick decisions you have to make and it’s not always going to be the right one—but you can’t just quit. Soccer has taught me to always strive to be the best version of myself. It has also taught me to work with different people and different styles. That can be important in any situation because there will be times when you have to work with someone new or someone that does things differently, but if you work together and look at things from other perspectives, the outcome could be better.”
Kennedy also shared her future goals:
“For me, soccer is something I see myself going to college for, but for that to happen, I have to continue to work every day, practice with intensity, and step out of my comfort zone. I am preparing for the adventure of a lifetime with my teammates and coaches. This amazing opportunity to go on an international sports tour will help me grow as both a player and a person.”
Local soccer coach Carlos Hernandez praised Kennedy’s skill, drive, and leadership:
“Soccer is a dynamic sport played for a total of 90 minutes, and during that time Anslee displays a relentless drive to win and succeed every minute. Her explosiveness, determination, and endless energy impact the game, creating countless opportunities for her team to succeed. Such game play manifests the potential of a great player, leader, and person as she continues to develop and grow; I am excited to have seen her progress and eager to see her future.”
Anslee’s achievement is an incredible milestone, and her community looks forward to following her journey as she represents her school, hometown, and state on the international stage.
Photo Credit: Joe Watson
