University of Oklahoma Athletics
Photo by: Ty Russell
Oklahoma Soccer - Pro Pathway
March 11, 2021 | Soccer
NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma soccer program has a rich history of developing student-athletes into exceptional soccer players that have the talent and resources available to them to advance to the next level in their soccer careers.
The program has put three players in the pro ranks the past two seasons, courtesy of 2019 grads Kaylee Dao and Kristina O'Donnell, and 2020 graduate Yuuka Kurosaki. Along with alumni Renae Cuellar, Kelsey Devonshire, Lauren Alkek and Whitney Palmer, among many others, Oklahoma soccer has not only accomplished team goals since the program was established in 1997, but helped players accomplish individual goals of moving on to the next level and continuing their playing careers after college.
Head coach Mark Carr, in his first season as the Sooners' head man, looks to continue to build the OU Soccer brand and image into one that is recognized across the nation and among the collegiate soccer community. With the assistance of veteran assistant coach Kat Mertz and up-and-coming goalie coach Maryse Bard-Martel, Carr and OU have connected with alumni to build a bond that will help the program continue to rise to success.
The Sooners recently touched base with alums that have played at the peak of the soccer profession to speak with them about what makes Oklahoma a place where student-athletes can develop their skillsets and have the necessary resources to be prepared for the next level.
Along with former players, the team spoke with student-athletes on the current roster that have professional aspirations on how OU has helped them get to a place where they feel ready to take the next step in their playing careers.
Read the Q&As below and watch an interview with Carr and Mertz as they speak on the type of players the Sooners look to bring into the program and develop into successful student-athletes and young women with the help and support of the University of Oklahoma athletics department.
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the current professional player that you are today?
RC: "Choosing to transfer to OU for my 5th year was the best decision I could have made for me as a player and person. I was constantly challenged as a player in trainings and games. I was able to use the facilities to train extra, which was something very important to me. I felt while at OU that I was playing at my best level and each day prepared me for the next level. Being apart of this program helped me grow immensely, on and off the field."
Q: What's been your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
RC: "My experience playing professionally has been incredible. Having played in the NWSL, Sweden, South Korea, Germany, Israel, Iceland and now Mexico has been an unforgettable experience. As well as playing internationally for Mexico and being apart of two World Cups and two Olympic qualifiers, my dreams have come true. But of course there have been difficult moments"
"I have made history and I have faced hardships but through it all I have been relentless and have continued working hard to achieve my dreams. For the collegiate players, my advice would be to outwork everyone, always put in the extra work while no one is watching. You have to have that mentality that sets you apart from the rest, to be relentless and continue to work through the good and bad moments. You can always grow as a player and get better. And most of all to believe in yourself no matter what anyone thinks or says. As long as you believe in you and you have your support system, you can reach the next level."
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the current professional player that you are today?
KO: "The OU soccer program helped me develop into a player who values relationships. Coming from a very close-knit collegiate team greatly encouraged me to make connections on my new professional team which contributed to performance success on the field. Not only did the OU program help me with the building blocks as a player, it also helped me develop as a well-rounded person."
Q: What's been your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
KO: "My experience playing professionally has been a mix of challenging, rewarding, and encouraging. I think if you have any opportunity to grow as a player, then dedicate yourself to do so and buy completely into the program and its goals. It's important to stick to what you know, always be willing to learn, and dedicate yourself to believing in your skills. Lastly, be loud about your dreams; anything is possible!"
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the current professional player that you are today?
YK: "OU is one of the most amazing programs I've experienced. Not only do we have professional and knowledgeable soccer coaches, but we also have trainers, strength coaches, psychologists and nutritionists to help us. Last season was tough due to COVID-19, but we were able to make it through our season with a lot of support from medical professionals and school officials. I had a lot of support from the academic side as well, especially as an international student whose English is not perfect."
Q: What's been your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
YK: "My professional career has just begun in Austria. My position has changed from that of a college student. I would say to younger players that I think it's important to keep being ambitious in college and pursuing your dreams."
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the professional player that you became?
WP: "My experience was not so good at the beginning of my pro career. When I went professional, it was like I had to start over and prove myself but was never really given the opportunity. I was coming in behind girls that had already been in the league. So it was hard trying to earn a spot on the team. After I left Boston, I went and played semi-pro in California and was accepted in to the team and did great."
Q: What was your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
WP: "OU prepared me to play professionally as when I came into pro soccer, once again I had to prove myself. I had to work hard for my spot and had to believe that I could do it. I was a starter and leading goal scorer as a freshman at OU so I told myself there was nothing that I could not do. My team and my coaches at OU believed and supported me all through my career which pushed me to that next level.
"To the younger players, I would say 'keep your eye on the prize and go for it. Don't give up.'"
Q: What about the OU program do you see that has helped you develop and help you grow into a player that has the chance to play professionally?
LH: "The OU soccer program is an environment that demands 100% effort every day and thrives on competition. The coaches and support staff want what is best for you physically and mentally, and will take the steps with you in helping you improve. I believe OU has given me all of the resources and support that I have needed to develop, and to keep developing into the player I want to be to play at the next level. I am so thankful for my time and experience at OU and how much I have learned."
Q: What are some of your goals in your soccer career and how can the Oklahoma Soccer program help you achieve those?
LH: "My goals are to continue to grow as a player in every aspect of my game to prepare for what the next level demands, as well as grow more in my leadership skills. I would also like to be a part of creating a team and culture that consecutively appears in Big 12 Championships and NCAA tournaments. I believe OU can help me achieve these goals by pushing me out of my comfort zone, giving honest feedback and support, as well as providing the tools and resources I need to reach my goals."
Q: What about the OU program do you see that has helped you develop and help you grow into a player that has the chance to play professionally?
MR: "OU soccer is a program I have been proud to be a part of. Aspects that have helped me develop on my pathway to play professionally are the knowledge the coaching staff brings and the resources at OU. Along with the coaching staff, the program has strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, psychologists, and some of the best facilities in the country. In addition, being able to talk with former players who now play professionally, like Kaylee, Kristina, and Yuuka, I've been able to listen to their stories and gain advice on how to take the next steps. Utilizing all these support areas, I have been able and will continue to develop and pursue my goals of playing professionally."
Q: What are some of your goals in your soccer career and how can the Oklahoma Soccer program help you achieve those?
MR: "One goal I have is to continue to improve all facets of my game both physically and mentally to prepare for the professional level. Another goal is to continue to represent Northern Ireland in the international game. The OU soccer program is continuing to help me work towards achieving these goals by providing a highly competitive environment, resources, and feedback to improve daily. Lastly, I want to contribute to winning a Big 12 Championship and gaining an NCAA tournament berth for OU."
Q: What about the OU program do you see that has helped you develop and help you grow into a player that has the chance to play professionally?
SY: "The OU program is helping me grow to become a better soccer player and a better person. It provides an environment that makes me reevaluate myself to be a better version of myself every day. It has also given me the strength to challenge myself to go out of my comfort zone."
Q: What are some of your goals in your soccer career and how can the Oklahoma Soccer program help you achieve those?
SY: "My goal is to become the first homegrown player for the OL Reign. The OU program provides me and my teammates with a great number of resources to help us succeed on and off the field. With the amount of time and dedication the coaching staff and the support staff puts into us, I'm grateful to be part of this family that provides me with the extraordinary amount of support and care."
The program has put three players in the pro ranks the past two seasons, courtesy of 2019 grads Kaylee Dao and Kristina O'Donnell, and 2020 graduate Yuuka Kurosaki. Along with alumni Renae Cuellar, Kelsey Devonshire, Lauren Alkek and Whitney Palmer, among many others, Oklahoma soccer has not only accomplished team goals since the program was established in 1997, but helped players accomplish individual goals of moving on to the next level and continuing their playing careers after college.
Head coach Mark Carr, in his first season as the Sooners' head man, looks to continue to build the OU Soccer brand and image into one that is recognized across the nation and among the collegiate soccer community. With the assistance of veteran assistant coach Kat Mertz and up-and-coming goalie coach Maryse Bard-Martel, Carr and OU have connected with alumni to build a bond that will help the program continue to rise to success.
The Sooners recently touched base with alums that have played at the peak of the soccer profession to speak with them about what makes Oklahoma a place where student-athletes can develop their skillsets and have the necessary resources to be prepared for the next level.
Along with former players, the team spoke with student-athletes on the current roster that have professional aspirations on how OU has helped them get to a place where they feel ready to take the next step in their playing careers.
Read the Q&As below and watch an interview with Carr and Mertz as they speak on the type of players the Sooners look to bring into the program and develop into successful student-athletes and young women with the help and support of the University of Oklahoma athletics department.
SOONERS IN THE PROS
Renae Cuellar (Oklahoma, 2012); Club Tijuana (Liga MX Femenil), Mexico Senior Women's National Team
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the current professional player that you are today? RC: "Choosing to transfer to OU for my 5th year was the best decision I could have made for me as a player and person. I was constantly challenged as a player in trainings and games. I was able to use the facilities to train extra, which was something very important to me. I felt while at OU that I was playing at my best level and each day prepared me for the next level. Being apart of this program helped me grow immensely, on and off the field."
Q: What's been your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
RC: "My experience playing professionally has been incredible. Having played in the NWSL, Sweden, South Korea, Germany, Israel, Iceland and now Mexico has been an unforgettable experience. As well as playing internationally for Mexico and being apart of two World Cups and two Olympic qualifiers, my dreams have come true. But of course there have been difficult moments"
"I have made history and I have faced hardships but through it all I have been relentless and have continued working hard to achieve my dreams. For the collegiate players, my advice would be to outwork everyone, always put in the extra work while no one is watching. You have to have that mentality that sets you apart from the rest, to be relentless and continue to work through the good and bad moments. You can always grow as a player and get better. And most of all to believe in yourself no matter what anyone thinks or says. As long as you believe in you and you have your support system, you can reach the next level."
Kristina O'Donnell (Oklahoma, 2019), Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (Kansallinen Liiga)
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the current professional player that you are today?KO: "The OU soccer program helped me develop into a player who values relationships. Coming from a very close-knit collegiate team greatly encouraged me to make connections on my new professional team which contributed to performance success on the field. Not only did the OU program help me with the building blocks as a player, it also helped me develop as a well-rounded person."
Q: What's been your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
KO: "My experience playing professionally has been a mix of challenging, rewarding, and encouraging. I think if you have any opportunity to grow as a player, then dedicate yourself to do so and buy completely into the program and its goals. It's important to stick to what you know, always be willing to learn, and dedicate yourself to believing in your skills. Lastly, be loud about your dreams; anything is possible!"
Yuuka Kurosaki (Oklahoma, 2020), FC Wacker Innsbruck (ÖFB-Frauenliga)
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the current professional player that you are today?YK: "OU is one of the most amazing programs I've experienced. Not only do we have professional and knowledgeable soccer coaches, but we also have trainers, strength coaches, psychologists and nutritionists to help us. Last season was tough due to COVID-19, but we were able to make it through our season with a lot of support from medical professionals and school officials. I had a lot of support from the academic side as well, especially as an international student whose English is not perfect."
Q: What's been your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
YK: "My professional career has just begun in Austria. My position has changed from that of a college student. I would say to younger players that I think it's important to keep being ambitious in college and pursuing your dreams."
FORMER PROS
Whitney Palmer (Oklahoma, 2010), Boston Breakers (Women's Professional Soccer)
Q: What can you say about the OU program that helped you develop into the professional player that you became?WP: "My experience was not so good at the beginning of my pro career. When I went professional, it was like I had to start over and prove myself but was never really given the opportunity. I was coming in behind girls that had already been in the league. So it was hard trying to earn a spot on the team. After I left Boston, I went and played semi-pro in California and was accepted in to the team and did great."
Q: What was your experience playing professionally and what would you say to the up-and-coming collegiate players that aspire to play at the next level?
WP: "OU prepared me to play professionally as when I came into pro soccer, once again I had to prove myself. I had to work hard for my spot and had to believe that I could do it. I was a starter and leading goal scorer as a freshman at OU so I told myself there was nothing that I could not do. My team and my coaches at OU believed and supported me all through my career which pushed me to that next level.
"To the younger players, I would say 'keep your eye on the prize and go for it. Don't give up.'"
CURRENT SOONERS
Lauren Haivala, Oklahoma Redshirt Senior
Q: What about the OU program do you see that has helped you develop and help you grow into a player that has the chance to play professionally? LH: "The OU soccer program is an environment that demands 100% effort every day and thrives on competition. The coaches and support staff want what is best for you physically and mentally, and will take the steps with you in helping you improve. I believe OU has given me all of the resources and support that I have needed to develop, and to keep developing into the player I want to be to play at the next level. I am so thankful for my time and experience at OU and how much I have learned."
Q: What are some of your goals in your soccer career and how can the Oklahoma Soccer program help you achieve those?
LH: "My goals are to continue to grow as a player in every aspect of my game to prepare for what the next level demands, as well as grow more in my leadership skills. I would also like to be a part of creating a team and culture that consecutively appears in Big 12 Championships and NCAA tournaments. I believe OU can help me achieve these goals by pushing me out of my comfort zone, giving honest feedback and support, as well as providing the tools and resources I need to reach my goals."
Megan Reilly, Oklahoma Junior
Q: What about the OU program do you see that has helped you develop and help you grow into a player that has the chance to play professionally?MR: "OU soccer is a program I have been proud to be a part of. Aspects that have helped me develop on my pathway to play professionally are the knowledge the coaching staff brings and the resources at OU. Along with the coaching staff, the program has strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, psychologists, and some of the best facilities in the country. In addition, being able to talk with former players who now play professionally, like Kaylee, Kristina, and Yuuka, I've been able to listen to their stories and gain advice on how to take the next steps. Utilizing all these support areas, I have been able and will continue to develop and pursue my goals of playing professionally."
Q: What are some of your goals in your soccer career and how can the Oklahoma Soccer program help you achieve those?
MR: "One goal I have is to continue to improve all facets of my game both physically and mentally to prepare for the professional level. Another goal is to continue to represent Northern Ireland in the international game. The OU soccer program is continuing to help me work towards achieving these goals by providing a highly competitive environment, resources, and feedback to improve daily. Lastly, I want to contribute to winning a Big 12 Championship and gaining an NCAA tournament berth for OU."
Sakura Yoshida, Oklahoma sophomore
Q: What about the OU program do you see that has helped you develop and help you grow into a player that has the chance to play professionally? SY: "The OU program is helping me grow to become a better soccer player and a better person. It provides an environment that makes me reevaluate myself to be a better version of myself every day. It has also given me the strength to challenge myself to go out of my comfort zone."
Q: What are some of your goals in your soccer career and how can the Oklahoma Soccer program help you achieve those?
SY: "My goal is to become the first homegrown player for the OL Reign. The OU program provides me and my teammates with a great number of resources to help us succeed on and off the field. With the amount of time and dedication the coaching staff and the support staff puts into us, I'm grateful to be part of this family that provides me with the extraordinary amount of support and care."
Players Mentioned
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