Learn from Professional Athletes

How Injuries Can Derail Olympic Dreams

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles promised to pursue Olympic gold despite suffering a calf injury during the Paris Games’ qualifying round. French soccer captain Wendie Renard had to withdraw from a match against Canada due to a thigh injury. Kawhi Leonard of the L.A. Clippers missed the entire competition because of inflammation in his previously injured right knee.

While Olympic athletes may appear to perform their sports effortlessly, the constant strain on muscles and tendons can lead to significant injuries that impact more than just their medal chances, according to an orthopedic specialist from Baylor College of Medicine. These risks are prevalent across all sports, from gymnastics and long-distance running to swimming.

Biles’ return after stepping back from the 2020 Tokyo Games has captured much attention from U.S. fans in the 2024 Games. She participates in four events: vault, floor exercise, beam, and the all-around.

For gymnasts, high-impact jumps, flips, and dismounts can lead to knee sprains, strains, and torn ACLs. Ankle injuries often result from landings, and wrist strains, fractures, and pain can come from weight-bearing handstands and cartwheels. Additionally, rotator cuff injuries can occur from high-impact landings and repetitive overhead movements on the bars.

Correct technique, proper conditioning, and preventive measures are crucial to reducing these risks and extending athletes’ careers. Ankle and foot injuries are frequent in high-impact sports like basketball and soccer. Ligament damage, such as sprains from sudden movements or poor landings, is typical. The stress of jumping, cutting, and quick sprints can lead to Achilles tendon ruptures, while knee injuries like ACL tears or meniscus damage often necessitate surgery. Overuse from jumping can result in tendonitis, known as jumper’s knee, and shoulder dislocations, although rare, can occur during high-speed collisions on the court or pitch.

Track and field athletes face their own set of risks, including strained hamstrings from rapid starts and stops and shin splints. Extreme overuse can cause stress fractures, and hip flexor strains, jumper’s knee strains, and shoulder or elbow strains are also prevalent depending on the event.

All injuries can significantly impact an athlete’s condition in their sport. Effective rehabilitation is essential for athletes to sustain their peak performance.

2023 College Commitment List

Samantha Aronson Boston University Patriot
Drew Bernard U of Maryland Big 10
Peyton Bernard U of Maryland Big 10
Chase Borntreger USAFA WAC
Talia Feigin U. of Houston AAC
Aranda Hurge U of Arizona PAC 12
Kaeden Koons-Perdikis Duke ACC
Giavana Liberto Vanderbilt SEC
Eleanor Maxon Wofford SOCON
Asia Mickens-Perez Howard University NEC
Dominique Popa U Miami of Ohio MAC
Yazmeen Smith Temple University AAC
Mandy Hill Shepard University PSAC
Anya Sander Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Liberty League
Dayana Rivera CCBC Essex NJCAA
Julia Lebron University of Central Lancaster, England England (Country)
Olivia Connolly Hamilton College NESCAC
Maya Soliszewska-Deng Seton Hall Big East
Oluwayomi Adamo UMBC America East
Ethan Beauman-Ansah Bradley University Missouri Valley Conf
Conrad Brady Penn State Big 10
Rory Brookhart Colgate University Patriot League
Dan Dobrin George Washington University A10
Matthew Helfrich Georgetown University Big East
Bardia Horzomi Princeton Ivy League conference
Tolu Joseph Evansville University Missouri Valley Conf
Liam Keiller Howard NEC
Cameron Lamptey Radford University Big South
Jacob Macdonald Mount St. Mary’s NEC
Mark Nakamura George Washington University Atlantic 10
Nathaniel Smith Cornell University Ivy League conference
Matthew Thissell University of Virginia ACC
Nik Avillo Washington University of St.Louis UAA
Gianluca Conte McDaniel College Centennial Conference
Charlie Emery Connecticut College NESCAC
Noah Greiff Bates College NESCAC
Keito Ishibashi Bowdoin College NESCAC
Wadhwa Kavi Rockford University NACC
Art Keys Swarthmore College Centennial Conference
Braden Kindred St. Mary’s College Coast to Coast
Drake Lechliter Roanoke ODAC
Serrano Matthew Waynesburg University ECAC
Andrew McWhinney Christopher Newport Coast to Coast
Jake Robey St. Mary’s College Coast to Coast
Parks Tolton McDaniel College Centennial Conference
Max Bean St. Andrews Univeristy Scotland (Country)
Winston Oziri University of Cumberland England (Country)

Ekkono Partnership

Bethesda Soccer Partners With Ekkono To Provide Cognitive Training BETHESDA, MD (Nov 2023) – Bethesda Soccer is pleased to announce a monumental partnership with Ekkono Academy. Ekkono will work closely with club coaches and players to provide game awareness, perception, and cognitive training. Starting this winter, clinics and programs will advance our players and coaches. Several of the clubs’ programs will incorporate this into the curriculum. These additions aim to improve our Bethesda players’ and teams’ overall decision-making and intelligence.

What is the Ekkono Method? The Ekkono Method, a well-regarded soccer training methodology, emphasizes fostering players who excel in game interpretation and decision-making. Conceived over 20 years ago by David Hernández and Carles Romagosa, it’s a cognitive soccer training approach aiming to create “smart players” capable of finding intelligent solutions during play. The core objective is to ensure players can accurately interpret the game dynamics and respond effectively, enhancing their overall on-pitch performance.

What the partnership will include:

  • Training our Coaches
    • Ekkono Coaches will work side by side, training our coaches at practices.
  • Training our Players
    • Ekkono Coaches will run clinics for our Youth Players working on spacing, perception, and decision-making.
  • Working with Bethesda Technical Staff
    • Ekkono will collaborate with our Technical Staff to develop and define training methodology.

Players that have trained under Ekkono: Christian Pulisic, Andi Sullivan, Cesc Fabregas, Jordi Alba

Clubs/Federations that have used their methodology: PSG, Pachuca, and the Japanese Federation.

About Bethesda Soccer Club:

The Bethesda Soccer Club (BSC) is committed to creating a competitive, supportive, challenging, and fun environment for all our players to reach their potential through the beautiful game of soccer. With a commitment to our goals and appreciation for the opportunity, we accept the responsibility to develop young players. Since the beginning, Bethesda Soccer Club has been at the forefront of the sport’s rapid expansion in the DMV and across the United States. More information can be found online at www.bethesdasoccer.org

Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates Partnership

June 27, 2023 – Bethesda, MD: Bethesda Soccer Club and Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates (PVOA) announced today that they have entered into an agreement through which PVOA will become the Official Orthopaedic Partner of Bethesda Soccer Club. Under the agreement, the two organizations will offer best-in-class orthopaedic care and membership benefits throughout the Bethesda SC community.

Bethesda SC Executive Jonathon Colton said, “We are thrilled to partner with Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates and their world-class team of physicians. Our shared goal is to provide the players, families, and staff in our club with the best-in-class healthcare options and resources available and an efficient and effective path to treatment, and we are so fortunate to have such an accomplished team of professionals join our club.”

“We are very excited that Bethesda Soccer Club has chosen CAO/PVOA to address the musculoskeletal healthcare needs of their membership,” said Rob Volk, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates. “We are eager to provide the highest quality and leading-edge orthopaedic care to not only the Bethesda Soccer player but also the staff, alumni, family, and friends alike. Our wide range of specialization and experience, combined with on-site physical therapy, radiology, and ease of scheduling, sets us apart. However, our dedication to individualized care and comprehensive approach is what defines us. We are proud to offer life-enhancing care to help our patients return to the active lifestyle required for healthy living.”

About Bethesda Soccer Club:

The Bethesda Soccer Club (BSC) is committed to creating a competitive, supportive, challenging, and fun environment for all our players to reach their potential through the beautiful game of soccer. With a commitment to our goals and appreciation for the opportunity, we accept the responsibility to develop young players. Since the beginning, Bethesda Soccer Club has been at the forefront of the sport’s rapid expansion in the DMV and across the United States. More information can be found online at www.bethesdasoccer.org.

About Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates:

For more than 45 years, Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates has provided comprehensive orthopedic care for patients of all ages in Montgomery and Howard County. We use the latest advances in orthopaedics with proven results to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate all injuries. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons have extensive training and experience in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery and have served as team physicians for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), the Miami Dolphins (NFL), the Florida Panthers (NHL), and Florida International University (NCAA Div-1). With dedicated physical therapy clinics in our four locations, our physicians can work with our physical therapists to determine an evidence-based treatment plan specific to each patient’s needs or goals. For more information, please go to www.pvoac.com.

GIVING TUESDAY

DONATE NOW

On Giving Tuesday, we ask for your help to contribute to our scholarship fund for our athletes and the community that need assistance! The V&S Foundation is continuing its support of one of Bethesda with a $15,000 dollar-for-dollar match during Giving Tuesday. 

While the club’s most recognizable moments may be its national championships and other outstanding on-field performances, its most important contributions could be the opportunities it provides its scholarship athletes every season.

Bethesda Soccer Club is pleased to offer a scholarship program to help families offset club fees.  The club has a limited number of scholarships available, and the number of players receiving aid and the amount of the scholarship will vary depending on the funds available. Scholarships are funded by contributions, camp, and tournament proceeds.

Teamwork & Leadership

What does it mean to be a good teammate? Why is it important to truly be a team in competitive club soccer? How can everyone be a leader, when a team has so many different personalities? 

Teamwork (noun): cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause.

The old saying of “There Is No I In Team” has been overused and does not help educate players on how they can develop as a leader. What separates the good teams, from the great ones, is the bond players have on and off the field. If there is genuine trust, friendship, and connection within the team the overall effort and connection on the field shows. Soccer is a team sport, at the end of the day, your individual success has just as much to do with the team’s success. At the club level, as much as it is competitive individually if you lose sight of the importance of being a team/family, your own success will always be limited.  

This article will explore three different topics: What makes a good teammate? How can a player figure out their role on the team? When facing adversity, how do great teams overcome it?

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What Makes a Good Teammate? 

Remember, that at the end of the day you are NOT the coach of the team. Players are there to learn, listen, and help each other get better. Everyone knows when they make mistakes on the field. Players know what their strengths and weaknesses are. Pointing them out as a teammate, laughing when mistakes are made, or not including them in the flow of the game does not make the team better. Every single player makes mistakes during training and pointing out those mistakes or putting down your teammates is poisonous to the overall effect on the team. 

Although, holding your teammates accountable for their effort, encouraging them to keep playing hard, and lifting them up not only makes them better but the collective group. This is where the power of “WE” and “YET” comes into play. Change your vocabulary to focus on the collective group.

“Hey, WE have to be better” “Guys, our effort needs to be better at practice today” “WE can win the next one” “Keep it up, you just haven’t gotten it YET” “Your left foot isn’t there YET, but keep working” “WE have to hold ourselves accountable” 

A good teammate knows how to get the best out of everyone, leads by example, gives everything during training/games, creates trust, and is always vocally bringing the team together with collaborative vocabulary. The practice of using certain vocabulary, (WE) becomes natural and second nature over time. When the group focuses on collective goals the individuals are all better from it.

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How can a player figure out their role on the team?

Not everyone has to be an extrovert and very vocal to be a leader/good teammate. The importance of teamwork and leadership starts with being true to yourself and knowing your leadership style. The best teams have everyone hold each other accountable, not just “Captains”. 

Are you someone who is loud and talks a lot on the field? Are you someone who focuses on the game and limits your talking to keywords (ball, man on, time)? Are you a non-starter who encourages from the bench and plays hard when in the game?

Leadership comes through in the effort, focus, and drive you to play with at all times. Listening to the coach, focusing on drills, and giving maximum effort. Doing this allows a player to call on others to step up their game. If you are someone who is comfortable addressing the whole team and pumping up others during games, then do that. Although, if you are someone who likes to talk to teammates one on one, and pushes them to be better, then do that. Some of the BEST leaders in sports are ones who just lead by example, and some of the best leaders are sometimes NOT the best players. 

As you grow up and develop, and figure out how you can best support your teammates. Your leadership style only is effective if it is genuinely part of your personality. The basis of all leadership though is effort

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When facing adversity, how do great teams overcome it?

It is easy to be a good teammate and leader when you are winning. A true team and leadership are shown during the hard times and when the team is facing adversity. Think about how you interact with your teammates when mistakes are made or goals are scored on the team. 

Again, the power of “WE” is so important and powerful during these times. You will never win every game. If you play sports at a high level long enough you are going to lose and have hard times. How the team reacts, holds each other accountable, and moves forward will determine how long these hard times will last. 

“Hey WE got this” “It’s ok, let’s pick it up now” “Do not worry about that WE have your back” “WE are good, let’s just keep playing” “WE need to focus more in practice this week”

When a team comes back from being down and is able to overcome a deficit, that is the sign of a real team. Teams come together when facing hard times and lift each other up. Individuals make it about others and tear each other apart. In soccer the best individual does not win, the best team does. 

As a leader, be the person who is always uplifting the team, keeping everyone positive and together. The fake leaders show their true colors during adversity and lose their teammates’ respect. In the end, you will lose games. Focus on the WE and how you can be better together. 

In the end, you should take three things away from this topic of leadership and teamwork: 

1) Be true to yourself and find your leadership role on the team. Every player has a role.

2) Change your vocabulary to include “WE” and “YET” when discussing the team and calling out teammates. 

3) During hard times and adversity stick together and be a team that grows from losses instead of falling apart.

 

Mike Edwards
Bethesda Soccer Coach U13/U18

1 v 1 – Conversation with Phillip Gyau

 

A 45-minute in-depth conversation with Phillip Gyau about all the aspects that go into being a good 1 v 1 player. If you are a fan of the game or a player who wants to learn, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

College Recruiting Isn’t Just About Your Play

Many of our players continue their soccer careers once they graduate from Bethesda SC in college. Understandably many players concentrate on what happens on the field in the recruiting process, however, college recruiting isn’t just about your play, there are many other elements to the recruitment process other than a player’s performance on the field.

Being a successful college student-athlete requires a well-rounded individual. Primarily they must be able to balance the academics involved while performing on the field. The level of play raises when a player reaches the college level but so do the academics. If during the recruiting process you stand out on the field but the GPA isn’t at a similar standard it will give the College Programs questions because handling both is critical.

When players join a college program, they are a representation of themselves but also of the program. How an athlete conducts themselves off the field is imperative. Most of the day is away from the coaching staff. Between classes, meals, studying and free time in between, college athletes need to be responsible and have high character. When programs are going through the recruiting process they are always watching. How do players act when they are off the field? Do they look engaged when they are not playing? Are they supporting their teammates? What are the player’s reactions if something isn’t going their way?

You are going to be in communication with many programs for a variety of reasons, such as displaying interest, following up on a conversation, and sending film. If you are sending an email, make sure it is well crafted. You aren’t communicating with a friend, so remove any slang. Make sure everything is spelled correctly. Make sure you use the correct coach’s name; you will be sending emails to several programs and so make sure you are addressing the correct coach. When you are on the phone with a program, TALK! Being on the phone provides you with an opportunity to display your personality. When on the phone act engaged, ask questions and contribute to the conversation.

In the end, you hope that you are being recruited by programs that you would like to play for, but remember you are recruiting them as well. If a program reaches out to you, that shows that they have an interest. You need to do the things necessary to reciprocate. Being a player of enough quality is extremely important, however, usually, it is the little details that separate players in the end. Be as good as you can with your personal details, and if you remember college recruiting isn’t just about your play, but what you bring to the table as a player and a person, you will be better off in the recruiting process.

 

Derek Biss
MLSNext Director
U17/U19 MLSNext Head Coach