Missouri Rush 2010 ECNL-RL Girls Spotlight 

Throughout the season, our 2010 ECNL Girls and coach Jason Wyland have faced numerous challenges—both on and off the field—that have tested their strength and character. Yet, they’ve persevered, demonstrating remarkable growth as individuals and as a team. Their journey to the St. Louis showcase has been marked by determination, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, proving that even in the face of obstacles, they are capable of achieving greatness. In this article, we take a closer look at how these players and coach have navigated their toughest moments and emerged stronger than ever.

Title: ECNL RL Players Reflect on Growth, Teamwork, and Goals for the Future

As the ECNL RL season progresses, players from the ECNL program have shared their thoughts on what makes this journey special for them. From overcoming personal struggles to developing as athletes and individuals, these young players have gained invaluable experiences that go beyond the game itself. Here’s a closer look at what three standout players have to say about their growth, team dynamics, and goals moving forward. 

Skyler Sauer: Embracing Growth and Opportunity

For Skyler Sauer, a Centerback in the program, the first season with ECNL RL was an eye-opening experience. Skyler’s advice to younger players hoping to join the league is simple but powerful: “Don’t be nervous, you will grow a lot. I saw my growth within the first season.”

Skyler acknowledges that the results of the season are not what truly matter; rather, it’s the opportunity to learn and improve every time you step on the field. “The outcome doesn’t matter, but what you do on the field matters and how you take this opportunity,” she says.

Having been part of the program, Skyler emphasizes the importance of appreciating the journey of growth, and for her, this has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. "I really love being a part of this program," she adds, reflecting her pride in representing a team that values development as much as success.

Danica Louis: Gaining Confidence Through Supportive Coaching

For Danica Louis, a defensive midfielder, the journey has been about more than just refining her skills—it’s been about personal growth and developing confidence. "When I was younger, I always struggled with my confidence, but the coaching staff changed that," she explains. The positive and supportive environment fostered by her coaches has been key in helping her feel more comfortable on the field, particularly when it comes to playing new positions.

Danica recognizes that making mistakes is a part of the process, but she credits her coaches for creating a safe space where she no longer shies away from challenges. "Having positive and kind coaches around all the time helps," she says, "They’ve helped me learn new positions and get better at what I do.”

As she prepares for an upcoming ECNL RL showcases, Danica admits that while it can be intimidating, she remains focused on what really matters: teamwork. “It can be intimidating, but I remind myself that labels don’t matter,” she says. “We are our own team, and we focus on that.”

Alexia Kidin: The Power of Team Bonding and Consistency

For Alexia Kidin, a player who has thrived on the field this season, the strength of the team's bond has been the defining factor in making the experience so special. “Our team’s bond” Alexia says. “We’re always so supportive of each other and help each other when we’re down. It makes playing so enjoyable and fun. It is so important for a team to have a strong bond.”

This sense of unity and camaraderie has made the season memorable for Alexia, who emphasizes the importance of working together to overcome challenges. "Having that strong support system is what makes the season so much more rewarding," she adds.

Looking ahead, Alexia is not solely focused on next season, but rather on the upcoming summer playoffs. “For me personally, I’m not thinking about next season yet. I’m thinking about the summer playoffs,” she explains. Her goal is clear: “I’m focusing on my consistency and showing up to each game at 110%.”

Conclusion: Growth, Support, and Unity

The stories shared by Skyler, Danica, and Alexia reflect the true spirit of ECNL RL—an environment where growth is prioritized, support from coaches and teammates is unwavering, and success is measured not just by wins and losses, but by personal and collective development. For these athletes, the season is about far more than simply playing a sport; it’s about evolving, building confidence, and, most importantly, embracing the journey together as a team.

As the league moves forward, these players’ words serve as a reminder of the deeper values that drive their commitment to the game—and to each other. The future is bright for these young talents, and they’re ready to take on whatever challenges come their way, both on and off the field.

Overcoming Adversity: Jason Wyland on Handling Injuries and Rising to the Challenge

For Jason Wyland and his team, the 2024 season presented an unprecedented challenge: a series of injuries that tested the resilience and adaptability of both players and coaches. With multiple athletes sidelined for weeks, the team faced a total of 62 games lost due to injuries. In Wyland’s many years of coaching, he had never encountered a season quite so injury-riddled.

“The biggest challenge that myself and the girls faced this year was dealing with the adversity that all of the injuries brought upon us,” Wyland explains. “We lost multiple girls for multiple weeks, a total of 62 games when you add up all the missed games of each girl. In all of my years of doing this, I’ve never had a season so injury-riddled.”

Given the severity of the situation, Wyland and his team had no choice but to adopt a “next girl up” mentality. This mindset became essential as players were forced to step into larger roles than they were accustomed to.

“My gosh, did these girls overcome fear and step up!” Wyland recalls with pride. “Key players had to take bigger roles and be massive influences and leaders. Role players had to become impact players, and girls who received limited minutes early on had to show belief and confidence as they continued to get more and more minutes.”

What could have been a season defined by setbacks instead became a testament to the team’s resilience. Every player rose to the occasion, embracing the challenge and thriving under the pressure. For Wyland, this was not just about filling gaps but about empowering his athletes to grow, develop new skills, and become more confident leaders.

Through this adversity, the team not only navigated a season filled with challenges but also built an incredible sense of unity and determination that carried them through. The lesson learned: sometimes, the greatest growth happens when you are forced to adapt and rise above difficult circumstances.

What Motivates Jason Wyland as a Coach: The Power of Realization and Growth

For Jason Wyland, the driving force behind his dedication to coaching is simple, yet profound: the joy of seeing his players grow and succeed. While it may seem cliché, Wyland’s motivation is rooted in the powerful feeling of witnessing athletes realize their potential and believe in themselves.

"EFR: Elation from Realization, it’s cliché and maybe a little corny, but it is the one and only motivation that keeps me energized, passionate, and optimistic to get up and keep doing this, day after day, month after month, season after season," says Wyland. 

The core of his coaching philosophy is the moment of realization that players experience when they see their progress. He describes the elation that comes from seeing his players—particularly the girls he coaches—experience genuine happiness and relief when they recognize that they are getting better and succeeding at a higher level. Their improved body language and reinvigorated motivation are a testament to the hard work paying off.

Wyland reflects, "The joy that I get that comes from seeing sincere self-belief and self-recognition is so heart-filling. This is what keeps me doing this every single day, through all the training ups and downs, through all the games highs and lows, through all the wins and the losses."

For Wyland, it's not just about winning games—it's about fostering a deeper sense of self-belief in his players. When they realize their own capabilities and see that they can consistently perform at a high level, that is the true reward. Even through tough training sessions and inevitable setbacks, seeing his players grow and thrive is what keeps him motivated season after season.

Ultimately, Wyland’s commitment to coaching is driven by the moments of growth, achievement, and self-discovery that make all the hard work and challenges worth it. Through his coaching, he seeks to inspire not just athletic success, but the confidence and self-recognition that come with it.

The journey shared by Skyler, Danica, Alexia, and Coach Jason Wyland is a powerful reminder of the true essence of the ECNL RL experience—growth, resilience, and unwavering support. With guidance from dedicated coaches like Wyland, who fosters self-belief and personal growth, these players have learned that success is measured not only in victories but in the strength of the bonds they share and the growth they achieve together. As they look toward the future, they are ready to face any challenge that comes their way, knowing that the support of their teammates and coaches will always be there to help them rise to new heights.

Article by: Melina Oehmke