I am enjoying this discussion as a lurker and no longer have a dog in this fight. However, I was very interested in the statement that 'i doubt that any player's ultimate goal is to make the "state" team'. What are club, or HS players ultimate goals in soccer? In my experience, none of the girls I have known were interested in making the national teams. Most would not have had the time. Of those interested in going beyond U18/U19 levels, all were interested in college play. I fully understand that playing on a national level team could enhance a players chances of being selected for the college they want but where should our focus be? In reading player profiles in media guides or SoccerBuzz, or TopDrawer, state level players are often very successful, as are national level players. What is the definition of success?
