 A Pair With Explorer Connections at Independence Mini Camp
July 1, 2009 PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Independence - a member of the Women's Professional Soccer league which will begin play in 2010 - hosted a Mini Camp last week which had a pair of Explorer connections. Former La Salle Women's Soccer standout Kristin Hextall ('08) was one of 24 local female soccer players looking to play for the Independence next season and had the opportunity to earn one of two contracts the team was able to offer domestic players after the camp. The camp began on Tuesday, June 23 and ran for three days. Hextall showed why she was a regional all-american as she played in three games and scored a pair of goals. She also had a moment to write a quick blog about her time at the camp, which can be viewed here. "Our staff and the university are so excited for Kristin to receive this wonderful opportunity to play at the highest pro level in the world," said La Salle Women's Head Coach Paul Royal. "We had the chance to see those amazing qualities in her while here at La Salle, but you're never sure who will continue to have the drive and devotion to play after college.
"I feel this is in large part due to her pure passion and commitment towards developing her game and never settling for being less than extraordinary. In my mind, she has already proven to have the mentality, competitive drive, work ethic and athleticism that is needed to be an elite professional athlete. We wish her all the best with this opportunity." Also at the camp was Royal, who assisted the staff and will be the Independence's Volunteer Goalkeeper Coach when they start next year. "I'm very excited about this wonderful opportunity to coach along side some of the top coaches and players in this country," said Royal. "Head Coach Matt Driver has been a great influence on developing a strategic plan to advance not only the club, but also women's soccer in the Delaware Valley. "I'm very encouraged and honored to be part of this special venture. Working as the goalkeeper coach with some of the most talented goalkeepers in the world is definitely something I've been looking forward to since my stint with the Philadelphia Charge." Royal previously spent three seasons (2001-03) working as the goalkeeper's coach for the WUSA's Charge under current Florida State coach Mark Krikorian and United States National Team coach, Pia Sundage. While with the Charge, Royal coached current US National Team Goalkeeper Hope Solo. "It'll be a tremendous opportunity for local college players to play for our home town team once their college days have past. I'm excited to see the future of Philly women's pro soccer flourish." From this point, there will be another open tryout for the Independence in late fall and the team will start building its roster once the college and pro seasons are over with the WPS college draft in January.
The team will then hold its invitation-only preseason camp at the end of February, which may likely include Hextall. To view more about the team and the camp, please visit the official website of the Independence.
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