SAINT LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER

SLSG Girls ECNL Program Wraps Up Preseason

Brian Woodward • Aug 21, 2021

SLSG Girls ECNL Preseason Recap


The St. Louis Scott Gallagher Girls ECNL Program wrapped up their 2021-22 Preseason this weekend. Both on and off the field, the program grew together through many different activities.


Preseason began on August 2nd, with the SLSG ECNL Girls having the opportunity to hear Brett Ledbetter, co-founder of the What Drives Winning Conference and author of What Drives Winning speak on the importance of character, and it’s influence on competition. Each girl received a copy of the best-selling author’s What Drives Winning book and had the opportunity to meet with Brett.

The SLSG ECNL Program then went to Elsah, Illinois where the annual Preseason Camp was held at Principia College. SLSG Girls Director Scott McDoniel was grateful for the experience, returning to the tradition the program had from 2016-2019. “Kicking off the season at Principia brings the girls, the staff, and the program as a whole together in a way that is really special”, McDoniel said. Through scavenger hunts, sand volleyball, What Drives Winning workshops, and of course the Annual Talent Show, the girls really bonded. “Watching the U18/19 teams take the U15, U14 U13 girls under their wing shows a level of unity that really makes St. Louis Scott Gallagher is a special place to be,” said McDoniel. 


The following week, each ECNL team took to the field, to prepare for this past weekend’s 2021 Eclipse Select Challenge Cup, in Chicago, IL. SLSG Girls ECNL Director Ralph Richards was excited to be on the field this past weekend. “We are just so appreciative to have gotten these games this weekend. The girls have worked extremely hard throughout the summer, and have returned ready to take on another ECNL season”.

SLSG Green ECNL Director Shawn Hewitt was thrilled to see so much connectivity throughout the various platforms within the SLSG ECNL throughout the weekend. “From What Drives Winning zoom calls with each team, to team go-karting night, seeing the girls get to know one another both on and off the field is why we as coaches do what we do”. 


One of the most important parts of this weekend was seeing each team and each program continuing to strengthen their connection with one another, according to Richards. “Being able to have program dinners, both at Principia and in Chicago is something we have missed greatly. Seeing the girls connecting off the field - hanging out at the hotel, visiting tourist attractions, watching other SLSG ECNL games - makes the entire staff happy.”

As a final conclusion to the preseason activities throughout the Girls ECNL Program, each age group from U13-U19 attended Saint Louis University Women’s regular season home opener match against Xavier. It was a fantastic night, with thirteen SLSG Alumni taking the field between the two programs. The SLSG ECNL program looks forward to its regular Fall training rhythm and ECNL schedule. 

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