Bean0007

Maybe being a little under-rated is better than being a little over-rated Time will tell, but this district is tough, and full of surprises.

I've read most of the posts. Intelligent, well-meaning people wanting the best, if not perfect environment for academics and in sports.....whether public or private, big or small, black or white. Ah, the perfect world. Unfortunately it doesn't exist, nor will it ever. But one can strive for better, and thus the debate. I think in an absolutely free choice system, many will be left behind because of intimidation, lack of experience upon which to base choices, lack of parental involvement, low self-esteem, and poor choices based on ego, pride, appearance, social judgement, etc. I think school choice would be much easier if it were solely based on academics. But HS is much more than than. It is learning how to fit in. How to manipulate your surroundings. Growing up, and dealing with adversity. Then there are sports. How many parents will make the absolute wrong choice for their child because THEY think he is sooo good? If one school monopolizes the best players, ever thought about the lack of playing time/development that others will incur? Only 2 or 3 HS 'stars'in the city? Where will the competition come from if the talent is not dispersed to a degree? Isn't competition, bragging rights, spreading the glory of HS stardom worth something? The same thing can be said for academics. Of course we don't have a perfect system. Nothing wrong to bring about change and make things better. I'm all for higher pay for teachers, but look how much society values all the wrong things. Also remember that the majority of HS athletes will not play in college, and more rare is the professional athlete. And practically speaking, none of those will be female. The kids do deserve our best at giving them oppurtunity, especially when the gov'mt spends over $10,000/yr per student.

Knowing coaches will be coaches, this is going to be really interesting to see how this is handled. For the most part, all schools in Knox Co. have a trainer present. But, in the simplest of cases, most athletes will be out for a week or so. I really wonder how this is going to play out in football.

http://www.fcallianceknox.org/FCA_presi ... dex_E.html Since then it is my understanding that the organization has been progressing and everyone is ready to get going as planned this Fall

Since these players have been an integral part of high school as well as D-1 State Soccer I thought I would list the members of the 92 FC Alliance and their high schools and the colleges that they will continue with. 2010 Commitments Brittany Hoffman -CAK-- Samford University Emily Jones -Cleveland-- Belmont University Caitlin Cody -Knox West-- Charleston Southern Morgan Brandon -Farragut-- UT Martin Devon Meske -Webb -- American University Gretta Jochman -Oak Ridge - Middle Tennessee State University Hannah Fezenden -CAK-- UT Martin Sarah Rodgers -Boyd Buchannan-- Columbus State University Jennifer Lee -Oak Ridge-- UNC Charlotte Mary Thompson -CAK-- UT Martin Lauren Ward -Farragut-- Maryville College MC Suhocki -Farragut-- Centere College Carrie Lieper- Chatt. Notre Dame--uncommitted 2011 Ashley Reveiz- Farragut -- MTSU Kailin Angelo-Oak Ridge--uncommitted

FCAlliance 92G won a hard fought battle with Brentwood 1-0 with less than two minutes remaining to win their 3rd straight State title and 5 of the last 6 State Titles. They also won the Premier League this year for the 2nd time. They advance to Baton Rouge for Regionals in a couple of weeks. This team will have to be considered one of best girls team out of TN. All but 1 or 2 will continue their soccer in college next year. Congratulations ladies.

92 FC Alliance wins Premier League

Well, just answered my own question. Talked with a CN player who said he was going to UT-Martin.

Heard thru the 'vine' that coach Phil McNamara was leaving Carson Newman. If so, IMO a big loss. Great soccer program built with a lot of local talent.

everyone knows you don't need security after the game......you've already spent all of your money to park and get in

92G FCAlliance 2 - Brentwood 0 Played in Cookeville, Sat. 2/27

OUCH!!! It hurts....those are excellent points. I will also point out the recruiting process is much different for girls soccer than what the majority believe. It does not compare to football or basketball for that matter. And the $$ are hugely different. NCAA limits the max# of scholarships to 14 Total. AND most schools only fund around 9..some more. some less. It is all about marketing and exposure. Un. of TN has passed on many good in state players. I think there are several players every year that are quality players they don't offer, but welcome to walk-on. Also consider that many athletes are given 50% rides at best, and considerably less the majority of the time. Each family has to weigh the costs, keep their ego in check, consider academics, and then try to use soccer to make the best situation they can for them. Use soccer to do something you otherwise couldn't have done. It's a tough decision with a large number of factors as Canes pointed out. Remember, after college these girls will all be joining the 'real' world in something other than soccer...hopefully they picked the school that will prepare them for that.

This tournament, hosted by FC Alliance in Knoxville, is cancelled due to the extremely wet weather.....with more on the way.

Caitlin Cody - Knox West - FCAlliance - Charleston Southern University Devon Meske - Webb - FCAlliance - American Brittany Hoffman - CAK - FCAlliance - Samford M.C. Suhocki - Farragut - FCAlliance - Centre Hannah Fessenden - CAK - FCAlliance - Carson-Newman Morgan Brandon - Farragut - FCAlliance - Carson-Newman Mary Thompson - CAK - FCAlliance - Carson-Newman Danielle Ciabattone - Notre Dame HS - FCAlliance - Lee University Emily Jones - Cleveland HS - FCAlliance - Belmont Greta Jochman - Oak Ridge HS - FCAlliance - MTSU Sarah Roger - Boyd Buchanan - FCAlliance - Columbus State University Katie Proud - Webb - Brentwood SC - Samford

Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State Girls Soccer Team Class A/AA Coach of the year: Ried Estus, Christian Academy of Knoxville Goalkeeper: Alyssa Crum, Greeneville; Lauren Pruitt, Silverdale. Forward: Victoria Anderson, CPA; Ruthie Edmunds, CAK; Audra Hockenberger, Harpeth; Brittany Hoffman, CAK; Caroline Lodge, Greeneville; Kate Maguigan, Page, Jr. Midfielders: Emma Caylor, Dyersburg; Danielle Ciabitonne, Allison Gehron, Arts and Sciences; Notre Dame; Kat Nigro, Livingston Academy, Jr.; Marie Scott, Greeneville; Mary Thompson, CAK; Defender: Amy Macsimowitz, CPA; Krista Mitchell, David Lipscomb; Annie Russell, White House; Chauncey Simmons, Chattanooga Christian; Bree Wilhoit, Greeneville; Madison Woody, Kingston. Class AAA Coach of the Year: David Wolff, Houston Goalkeeper: Caitlin Cody, Knox West; Savannah Shipman, Brentwood. Forwards: Katie Clark, Dobyns-Bennett; Audrey Howard, Brentwood; Olivia Harrison, Houston; Emily Jones, Cleveland; Kia Perry, Station Camp; Samantha Turner, Bearden. Midfielder: Tisha Blankenship, Houston, Bailey Bussart, Houston, Sr.; Greta Jochman, Oak Ridge; Hannah McGowen, Riverdale, Sr.; Alexis Pugh, Collierville; Morgan Zigelsky, Franklin. Defender: Taylor Cravanas, Bearden; Lucy Pater, Brentwood; Kelsey Plummer, Hendersonville; Stephanie Surgener, Siegel; Amy Thompson, Knoxville West; Chanel Thorpe, Houston; Division II Coach of they year: Bobby Ireland, St. Agnes Goalkeeper: Julie Eckel, St. Benedict; Amy Mirro, St. George’s. Forward: Allie Albright, Evangelical Christian; Bethany Bunker, St. Agnes; Cailin Harris, Pope John Paul II; Honeye Heydari, USJ; Abi Sanvee, Evangelical Christian; Elisabeth Sullivan, Briarcrest; McKenzie Thomas, Baylor. Midfielder: Molly Johnson, Brentwood Academy; Savannah Kegg, Father Ryan; Brittany Moss, Evangelical Christian; Carmen Manes, St. Agnes; Mary Patterson, St. George’s; Carissa Sanchez, Baylor. Defender: Caroline Capocaccia, St. Agnes; Teni Butler, Baylor; Leah Loven, Pope John Paul II; Sarah Mastey, Girls Preparatory School; Devon Meske, Knoxville Webb; Peyton Thomas, Baylor.

Cold, damp day for soccer. 92 FC Alliance Black, gave up a tie to BUSA (Birmingham) 3-3 with a couple of minutes to go in the game. Brittany Hoffman scored 2, and Mary Thompson 1 for FC. Of course all TN teams are just getting together for club, while most of the other PL teams have been playing together all Fall. Also FC keeper, Caitlin Cody still getting over a finger surgery and did not play. Also Hannah Fezzaden has a knee in rehab. Both should be back by the first of the year. I think the 93 Brentwood team had a tie on Sat. from what I understand, today's games were cancelled.

For the past 4 years Oak Ridge has had one of the best announcers.

Most games in the Knoxville area are covered by a commuity sports writer. On most of the 'big' or rival games a contributing writer or two will be present. A regular sports reporter for the paper starts showing up during district, reg. etc. I'm not sure which ones have a vote, and of course I doubt any see or read much about other areas of the state. But that is probably no different than the coaches either. Again, it seems to be a general consensus that is reached, and I doubt it is any different in any other of the HS sports, with the possible exception of HS football. But at least there is some effort made to give recognition. I'm still waiting for the coveted 'Canes Awards' to be posted.

Sometimes I just amaze myself, especially being computer challanged.

There are a lot of soccer players in TN, as well as other states that are very good, that don't play ODP, some for the reason Champ pointed out. It is very easy to get caught up in the rip-tide of soccer, not understanding that in the end, 99.9% will be ex-soccer players after 4 years of college, no matter where they go. It depends on the individual's goals, and whether life really does revolve around soccer, or soccer is just part of life. I see plenty of lower division schools beat upper division, or at least play very closely with them. Guess which ones may actually enjoy college life a little more? I have talked to more than one athlete that has played at different college levels for that answer. A very individual question, no doubt. There is a lot of pressure on these kids to secure the coaches job at the highest levels. The kids, for the most part are expendable. I do feel that ODP, if gotten into by one's Freshman year, can be valuable in maximizing one's exposure, and also the top clubs in any state, that play in showcase tournaments get a lot of exposure as well. Also, don't ignore the opportunity for combines. Also the coaches' network is huge, if he works it. All of this, knowing that the NCAA allows D1 schools a max of 14 scholarships. The kicker is that not all schools will fund all 14. Some do 7, 9, some more, some less. Now fiqure, partial scholarships vs. tuition /yr. Bottom line, play it because you love it, and play at the level you are willing to sacrifice other things for.

Gol.....the math is easy with the Metro areas, but I'm saying the top players in TN are very similar in skill as the top players in other states, there just aren't as many of them to go around to several teams vs. one or two or three here in TN. In part, the lack of emphasis in soccer statewide contributes to that problem, especially as girls drop out as they get older. ODP wise, I don't know the numbers, but I don't think you can see a substantial increase in TN Regional players vs. the other states. Very small number overall. Plus, very few of the top TN players get involved in ODP.

IMO, Tennessee needs to follow GA or some other state, because what has been done so far doesn't seem to work very well. I don't have the answer, but TN is certainly not considered a 'hot bed' for tallent. I don't know if it is because the state is so football/basketball crazy to the point nothing else matters, or simply the lack of population and #of participants, but it does seem that we are behind the curve. I see plenty of girls from other states going to D1 programs with similar talent, while girls from TN struggle to get noticed, most with certainly the same degree of talent, but just not marketed as well. Even at the ODP level, the numbers are down, political influence, etc. keep girls out of the high visibility markets. Also, the parents and players need to educated on how the college recruiting process works. And how little money is really out there for athletics. Case in point, it takes a lot of hard work and luck, just to come up with 50% rides. Teams dropping down just to win a division is certainly no way to increase ones exposure for the next level, and TN still has a lot of growing to do; this is a step backwards.

Greta and Kat awesome......way to go.

I'm sure all of these girls are super players, and congratulations to all. However, I can personally vouch for Emily, Danielle, and Carey. Great players backed by great families. My family has enjoyed the many road trips and times spent with all of them through one of the best club teams in the state (92 FC Alliance) It's hard to believe that it is almost over! Congraulations and the Best to all.