Friday, May 17, 2013

Eclipse Select's Aguilera set for Wright State this fall

CHICAGO (May 17, 2013) – Eclipse Select Soccer Club NWI forward Paige Aguilera (Crown Point, Ind.) has thrived as a predominantly left-footed player on the pitch, and Wright State is looking to take advantage of that element.

Aguilera is committed to play for the Horizon League squad starting this fall, and she certainly hopes to make an immediate impact.

“I think I will have a chance of starting right away, but I need to push myself,” Aguilera said. “Being left-footed, they said they have a need on the left side. I could also be more of a midfielder or push up as a forward on the left side. They told me if I train hard during the summer and go over the regimen they gave me, do well and come in, I should have a good shot.”

Aguilera is certainly amped up about the next chapter in her career.

“I can’t be more excited,” Aguilera said. “Ever since I was younger, I’ve always wanted this, and to get there to train for my first college game is a great feeling. It’s everything I’ve worked for.

“The first time I visited the campus, everything fell into place,” she said. “I hung out with the team. And the fact that they have a good medical field words hand-in-hand with joining their soccer program, so it was perfect. I loved everything about it.”

For more, visit EclipseSelect.org.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Eclipse Select's Rachel Gerhardt to play for hometown Valpo this fall

CHICAGO (May 10, 2013) – Eclipse Select Soccer Club goalkeeper Rachel Gerhardt (Valparaiso, Ind.) has reaped the benefits of her hard work both on and off the field, and at just 17 years old she will take her game to the college level with Valparaiso starting this fall.

After three full school years, the Eclipse Select U-18 NWI net minder will graduate from Boone Grove High School and compete for the Crusaders in the Horizon League.

“My mom and brother have both experienced VU, so it was always on my mind as a career choice, but I never thought I would do it,” Gerhardt said. “Then last year they held a private VIP camp and they wanted to have me attend. I was ecstatic. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am. Everything that I’m doing to get ready, the conditioning work – it’s awesome.”

Gerhardt had mostly been targeted by Division II and Division III programs throughout the country, but the stars aligned for the Valparaiso, Ind., native to compete for a Division I institution in her hometown. She joins a Valpo program led by head coach John Marovich.

“Coach Marovich is such a great guy,” Gerhardt said. “He gets down to business. He’s not one to joke around – when it’s time, it’s time. He wants to get the job done and get your full potential. So you have to be in tip-top shape. He’s not going to tolerate anything less and will push you to the extreme.”

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Eclipse Select's McGinnis fights back from injury, commits to UW for 2014

CHICAGO (May 4, 2013) – Eclipse Select Soccer Club forward Sydney McGinnis was recognized by Wisconsin women’s soccer coach Paula Wilkins when she was 9 years old.

The combination of that familiarity and McGinnis’ drive to return from a year and a half injury are just two reasons why the Park Ridge native and Maine South junior stayed on the radar will be playing for the Badgers starting in the fall of 2014.

Sydney McGinnis / Eclipse Select
“Originally I had not thought about Wisconsin, but I fell in love with that school and had been through the ODP program where Paula was one of the coaches,” McGinnis said. “She has recognized me since I was 9 years old. So when I tore my ACL, she had no worries about it.”

McGinnis’ ACL injury was 17 months ago, and this weekend marks her return to the pitch. Eclipse Select’s U-17 Elite Clubs National League team has an inner-club scrimmage this Sunday.

“When you’re 9 and still developing, you never think that this would do anything for you or you’d get the recognition,” McGinnis said. “You don’t think that your ODP coach would be your future college coach. That has definitely helped that she remembered me and has helped in my recovery process, the fact that she wants me to get better and has strong hopes for me.”

For the latest Eclipse Select news, visit EclipseSelect.org.