A consistent theme that we were constantly reminded of throughout the weekend's festivities and during speeches by former players, coaches and administration was our coach Clive's philosophy of "Earn Your Right to Play".
Clive's motto was also the inspiration and anchor of my article about the history and culture behind the University of Portland Pilots women's soccer program in the first-ever print version of Our Game Magazine. If you're a high school player, it will give some insight into things to think about as you decide on what program to choose to take you to the next level, whether it's UP or elsewhere. If you can, subscribe to the magazine and get your global soccer news and stories all year long.
Here's a sneak peek...
Earn Your Right To Play: The Portland Pilot Way
The University of Portland
women’s soccer team has been winning games with frightening consistency ever
since coach Clive Charles was leading the Pilots in the early 1990's. Today the
home of the Pilots is one of the most feared college stadiums in women’s
soccer, with sell-out crowds of extreme fans. The small private college program
punches well above its weight as one of just three programs to have won
multiple NCAA Division I titles. The program had three alumni win medals in
last summer’s 2012 London Olympics and will feature professionals in the
upcoming National Women’s Soccer League.
The evolution of the Pilots
soccer program is a beautiful story. A rich story that begins in the 1980’s and, like every good
story, it has powerful characters and key moments that came to define the
program.
(Subscribe at Our Game Magazine to keep reading!)