Growing and Adapting: My Year with Nevada ODP and the Far West Tournament

Southern Nevada ODP, 2025

This past year, I had the rewarding—and sometimes challenging—experience of playing with the Nevada Olympic Development Program (ODP) team. Here's what made it memorable:

Training with a New Coach - I trained under the coach from UC Davis, someone I’d never worked with before. His coaching style pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded my understanding of the game, helping me grow in ways I hadn’t expected.

Playing Out of Position - Most of the season, I found myself playing in positions that weren’t natural for me. At first, I struggled—but then I embraced the challenge and learned to adapt. Being versatile made me a stronger, more well-rounded player.

Navigating Team Dynamics - We had our share of clashes—conflicting egos, clashing personalities—but those moments taught me the value of humility, communication, and leading by example. It wasn’t easy, but it pushed us, individually and collectively, to grow.

Pushing Beyond My Boundaries - I stepped into the unknown at every turn: from training with a new coach, to bonding with new teammates, to playing unfamiliar roles on the field. And though those challenges tested me, they were exactly the experiences I needed to develop.

Far West Tournament in Mesa, Arizona - The season culminated in the ODP Far West Tournament, which was held in Mesa, Arizona at the Arizona Athletic Grounds from January 3–6, 2025. Competing alongside top athletes from multiple states, I was proud not just to participate, but to bring everything I’d learned to the field.

Looking Ahead - Despite the challenges, I’m proud of how I showed up. I stayed coachable, adapted to every role, and held myself accountable. That mindset will continue to drive me forward—on the pitch and beyond.