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Local Girls May Be Future Of U.S. Soccer

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune Correspondent

Published: November 18, 2007

Qualifying for the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program last month gives three students from Seven Springs Middle School a shot at competing in the Olympics someday.

Casey Bruno, Danielle Gottwick and Gina Davis, all sixth-graders, were among 20 or so students chosen from 90 competitors at the Oct. 27 regional tryouts in Kissimmee. Next up: an intensive training camp in January in Fort Myers or Jacksonville. Down the line, the girls can compete for regional and state Olympic Development Program teams.

Players who progress successfully through the program can be considered for United States Olympic teams.

Even making it this far, though, has been special for these three friends, who have been playing together since they were 8.

"It feels great to make the regional tryouts," said Casey, 11. "Soccer has always had a place in my heart, but I didn't always think I was good enough to compete. But my friends told me I could make it, and it's really great to know that I can."

Casey was one of two goalies to survive the regional tryouts. Her efforts reflect years of work and commitment, said mom Hilary Bruno.

"She's loved soccer since she was 4 years old," Bruno said. "She was the little girl who would run after the ball when her brother was playing."

Since then, soccer has become an integral part of Casey's life. She plays for the Palm Harbor Nighthawks club team and hopes to play at the college level and professionally.

"Playing soccer is a good outlet for my emotions, and I love it when I make a save and the crowd supports me," she said.

Casey met Danielle and Gina on her previous team, the West Pasco Futbol Club. They played together for four years.

For their parents, it means something that the girls have made it this far together.

"This is a large accomplishment for three girls from the same school, who all played together for years and are straight-A students as well," said Dawn Davis, Gina's mother.

That's not to say the competition doesn't drive them.

"It feels really good to know that I might have a future in soccer," said Gina, 12, a center defender with the East Lake Arsenal. "I like the fact that I can run in soccer, and I love being competitive."

The various stages through which players pass en route to a possible Olympic tryout are intended to shape their skills and determination. Playing against the best does that and helps the Florida Youth Soccer Association groom players for its national teams.

Beyond the regional camp in January, Danielle, Gina and Casey hope to play for Seven Springs Middle's team next year.

Someday, Danielle would like to play professionally. For now, she's happy to play with her friends.

"When you play with somebody a long time you learn their style," said the 12-year-old East Lake Arsenal player. "It's all good."

Playing with them in the Olympic Development Program is even better.

"Soccer is what I want to do, and now I feel I'm one step closer."

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