I would like to disagree with you. I have had first hand experience with the whole ODP team. Does it hurt to know someone, NO, but that's in every aspect of life, whether it's looking for a job, finding a deal, etc... However, ODP is not a political as you think it is. I heard all the same stories before my daughter made ODP. I thought for sure she was good enough to make the team, but I thought she wouldn't because she wasn't the coaches daughter, or wasn't one of the board members daughter, but you know what, she did and deserve to make it. I have also seen a girl from TN on the National Pool at regions one year, and guess what didn't even make the region team the next. I could give examples of the boys side as well. So, unless you know first hand about ODP, don't make statements unless you have info to back it up. It might have been that way in the past, but I think when Curtis Blair came on board and with Manny Sanchez cleaned all that up. I know Curtis is not there in that role anymore, but that kind of when my daughter joined.
Just take a look at what the boys 90 team accomplished this year. You don't get that far by having a bunch of coach's sons and board member's sons on the team. I have seen current players who were a part of ODP one year and got cut the next year, because another person step up that was invited to participate.
It takes your coaches involvment to have him recommend you and then hopefully ODP will have time to come look at you during a tournament. Lots of different players are invited every year and each year all the young men and women know they could be cut.
ODP is really ran very well is the bottom line! If you are good enough you will make it!