On June 19th, HSA and Danone Simpson Insurance Services, LLC hosted a free soccer clinic for Alliance athletes on the field adjacent to the HSA campus. Coaches and athletes from local universities and soccer organizations volunteered their time and seemingly unlimited energy to work directly with the kids as they rotated through six different stations including:
Station 1: Strength and Conditioning led by Eric Conner, certified Level 1 Crossfit Trainer
Station 2: Dribbling led by David Niemeyer LMU alumnus
Station 3: Collecting and attacking led by UCLA alumnus Aaron Perez and current LMU athlete Max Young
Station 4: Defending led by UC Davis alumnus Paul Cain
Station 5: Possession led by LMU alumnus Joe Stoakley
Station 6: Shooting led by Costa Rica international player Vanessa Rojas
Also providing instruction and inspiration were: Mathes Mennell, LA Galaxy Under 20 team coach; Jose Luis Palomares, Olympic Development Program staff member; Andrew Kristof, LMU alumnus; Russ Brown, UC Davis alumnus; Tyler Mehl, LMU alumnus; Ed Ligonde, UCLA alumnus; Kevin Weiner, UCLA athlete; and Ashy Kaviani, LMU alumnus.
But the day wasn't just about soccer. Volunteer coaches and athletes consistently emphasized the importance of academics, teamwork, commitment and discipline for athletes, and for all students.
We are so grateful to Tobias Kennedy whose vision and hard work made the clinic possible, and to all of the tremendous athletes who volunteered their time to work with our kids.
The event was also made possible by generous sponsorships from The Hartford, Metlife and DSI. Chivas USA also contributed special autographed items used to recognize the hardest working athletes in addition to ticket vouchers for each participant. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each of these wonderful organizations for their support!
For more photos of the soccer clinic, please visit our electronic photo album.