HTX GA 12 Wins USYS National Championship

The following coaching staff, players and parents were asked a little about their experiences below prior to the final game.

"This has been an incredible experience and opportunity for our girls, parents and club at the highest level," said Willie Fowlkes, Head Coach Girls Academy. "US Youth Soccer has done a tremendous job providing an environment and atmosphere that these players and parents will remember for the rest of their lives. I am extremely proud of our players and staff during this national competition.

"I couldn’t be any prouder of this group of players who have shown an incredible level of character to make it this far," said Michael Openshaw, HTX City Program Director & Assistant Coach. "It has been an unbelievable experience, and I am so happy for the girls as they thoroughly deserve this opportunity.

"It is a remarkable accomplishment, and now they are one game away from being National Champions. When we build programming, this is the kind of journey we aspire to create for our players, said Andrew Squire, Girls Director. "No matter the outcome of the final this afternoon, we are proud of the players, coaches and parents for representing HTX Soccer and state of Texas with excellence.

"This whole experience has been amazing for me. This is something I've dreamed about, and it's all happening so quickly. I'm just trying to be in the moment, enjoy myself, and have fun, said Jannie Toh. "I love being able to represent my club and teammates on such a big stage at the national level. I'm proud to be on the best 2012 team in Houston and look forward to continuing my development at this club. We're showing that we can compete with anybody at any level in the United States."

"I’ve played competitive soccer since 2021. Even though I have been to countless memorable events and tournaments in the last couple of years, National is in my mind, my most admirable achievement," said Eden Karim. "Between the hypnotizing architecture, breathtaking complex, and never-ending cheers, the National atmosphere is like none other. I vividly remember the first-time walking into the complex and being awestruck by the whole thing. Now as my team and I walk into the complex to play our last game of the season, I let everything sink in and realize how fortunate I am to even be here. To me and my teammates, being here shows that the impossible is only impossible if you don’t try. As a wise person once said, 'your limit is how far you’re willing to go.'

"At the start of the cup I was nervous because this tournament was super important and we could be one of the first teams on HTX to win playing up," said Kelly Harper. "The teams we played were definitely challenging and really tested our team’s ability. Overall, the USYS National Cup was a great experience for my teammates and myself."

"More than grateful for this amazing experience at ESPN’S Wide World of Sports to be part of the USYS National Championship. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my team, coaches, and HTX Soccer," said Kayden Taylor. "It is an honor for me to have been selected as Team Captain for my team and I look forward to leading them to victory. Thank you all so much for your love and support. Now's the time to lock in and play hard."

"My experience at the USYS Nationals has been amazing. My whole team has enjoyed another opportunity to play together, compete at a high level, and play at one of the nicest sport complexes in the country," said Madison Smith. "We have learned so much from our HTX coaches, Coach Willie, Crouchy and Benn. We worked our way out of a game 1 loss by playing better each game and earning our way into the finals. Our team is very supportive of each other. They always help me to become a better player by encouraging me to keep going even when the game gets hard. The USYS Nationals event has brought us closer together as friends and teammates. We are ready for the National Championship final and want to represent HTX Soccer well!"

"This experience was awesome I couldn’t have a more memorable moment than this. The opening ceremony was awesome it felt so good seeing all the trophies coming and knowing that we will get a chance to win that," said Emily Carney. "My teammates and I were all so nervous for the first game not knowing what will happen, but we lost 2-1 we thought that this was our wake up call. Next day we had a great start to the morning, good breakfast. The game arrived and we tied 0-0, both teams had a lot of possession with the ball. Next game arrived and we already got a goal in the first half, and then 2 goals in the second half. We won 3-0. We then relied on the team that we played on the first day to beat the team we tied to yesterday and they won. We advanced to the championship. We have been preparing ourselves for this for so long and this is our time. Don’t forget we are playing a year up and we got to the championship and that’s a huge accomplishment for this club. Can’t wait to see what the outcome is in the game!"

"This whole experience as a parent has been incredible. I grew up playing in the same youth system, so it's amazing to watch my child accomplish her goals and thrive in such a supportive environment," said Patrick Toh. "HTX has an amazing coaching group and a great culture that fosters growth and development. The dedication and passion of the coaches have truly made a difference. I'm super proud that my kid is part of this program, and I look forward to seeing her continue to grow and succeed. Being part of HTX is like being part of a family."