MONAGHAN NABS CONFERENCE CUP ALL-STAR NOD
Scorpions ECNL player Maeve Monaghan was recently named to the ECNL Conference Cup All-Star Showcase at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California. Maeve competed on Team New England, and just returned from her trip. Scorpions Spotlight caught up with Maeve and asked her about her experience.
SS: What is your current Scorpions team?
MM: The 2010 ECNL National Team coached by Kevin Mascary
SS: How long have you been with the club? What was your progression?
MM: I just completed my first year with Scorpions SC. I made the switch because I wanted the opportunity to compete in the ECNL at the highest levels. Throughout the year I saw myself grow so much as a player. I learned so much more about the game itself from the coaches. The competition, both in practice with teammates and in ECNL games, is a higher level than I had never experienced, but it motivated me to be a better player.
SS: How have Scorpions coaches influenced your development?
MM: At one of the first few practices my coach put me a centerback, a position i had never played before, and at first I was nervous. But I knew Coach Kevin trusted me there which allowed me to flourish in that position. At every practice I felt like I was learning something new and I think my soccer IQ along with my physical ability has increased a tremendous amount in such a short time. I look forward to learning more from Coach Kevin in the coming season. In addition, many other coaches, like Evan and Nick, have been so supportive of our team at showcases ans playoffs. You can tell the entire organization just wants us to be successful as a team and individually.
SS: What was your reaction to being a Conference Cup selection?
MM: I was very excited, and grateful to be picked for such a prestigious event.
SS: Please describe the All-Star experience. We would like to know the specifics of the camp itself, the games and training, as well as your reaction to playing in that environment.
MM: On the first day after receiving gear, going to our dorm rooms, and getting some food we had a light practice, but even there the intensity was really good. The environment during the games was super competitive, and the speed of play was very fast. Although I played centerback for Scorpions this year, I played a bunch of positions (fullback on both sides, defensive center mid, wing, left side of midfield triangle) during the games that I hadn’t before at this level of competition, but I really enjoyed that.
SS: What was the best part of your experience?
MM: The best part of my experience was meeting and playing with girls from all different clubs. It was really cool being on the same team as girls who I compete against during conference games, and also becoming friends with them. We all spent lots of time in the lounge together as it had fun games like ping pong, soccer tennis, futsbol , FIFA, and then a snack station.
CONGRATULATIONS MAEVE!
