Jack Monach, a junior at SJHHS, has been kicking around the soccer ball since he was eight years old. Now at age 16, those years of training have allowed him to further his journey in soccer.

The United States Olympic Development Program (ODP) has been recruiting players of the highest caliber to train in hopes of joining the US National Team. They provide high level training and enhance the development of players, which Jack values.

Having been recruited through his club team, Monach participated in the tryouts for the Development Team. It consisted of a seven-month intensive tryout period, focussing on athletes tactics and techniques.

“They take around 100 of the best club players in California and put them in a tryout for around 7 months–every week we were being put to the test,” Monach said in regards to the program agenda. “We play against other teams from different states in a tournament.”

The US Development Program takes into consideration the education of their youth soccer players, accommodating their players’ high school schedules and helping them focus on college recruitment opportunities. However, once Monach graduates from high school, all the benefits and training from the program no longer apply to him, unless he were to make the national team.

“Once I graduate it stops, unless I go on to play for the National Team or college soccer,” said Monach.

The ODP also prides itself on the great exposure they give athletes to college coaches and its preparation for possible collegiate and/or National Team soccer. Some college coaches have already contacted Monach, and his exposure through the program has allowed for more coaches than ever to reach out to him.

He plans on continuing his soccer career post-high school and hopes to go on to make a life out of the sport.

While chosen for an already-selective and intensive program, this does not mean he is eligible to play for the Development Team quite yet and is still awaiting a decision from the national team. The program has ended this year, but Monach is still hopeful about his prospects for joining the team in the near future.