Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales High School girls soccer team is very good. One of the reason’s has been solid goal keeping by junior Sarah Owen. This Spring Owen is getting the opportunity of a lifetime. Owen will travel to Brazil with the United States Olympic Development Program Region III soccer team. During the 10 days in Brazil, the team will play games against Brazilian clubs, have training sessions with US Youth Soccer staff, attend a Brazilian National League Professional game, and enjoy extensive sightseeing at world famous sites. Sarah has been a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Florida state team since 2012 and she advanced to the ODP Regional pool in 2015. ODP Region III consists of the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Texas, and South Texas. ODP identifies elite level player and facilitates their selection to the U.S. National Team programs. The selection process takes place through state, regional and national trials. The primary benefit to the player is to be able to try out, train and play against the best soccer players in their age group, allowing the best players to further their development. Players are evaluated on technique, tactics, fitness and athletic ability, and psychological component (attitude). She is a true athlete having been on accomplished teams for not only soccer, but softball and volleyball. She has very good grades and is often seen volunteering with the Lake Wales Care Center summer programs.
Sarah Owen is the daughter of Debbie Owen and the late Michael Owen. We here at The Daily Ridge and I know the rest of the community are very proud of Sarah and all of her accomplishments. We pray for her safe travels and know that she will represent Lake Wales very well everywhere she gets the chance.
