Mackenzie Kruer (2007 Girls) and Jaden Branigan (2006 Boys) both represented Indiana, the Midwest, and the Nation in the 2023 Dallas Cup.
“Indiana ODP (Olympic Development Program) and Indiana Soccer are proud of these two players. What a wonderful experience to play in the finals of such a prestigious tournament. We also want to thank US Youth Soccer for hosting these events for the ODP players.” - Todd Sheely, Indiana ODP Director
Mackenize Kruer (IFA) and her ODP teammates made the finals of the top group in the Dallas Cup. They played a hard game but fell short of the title.
Playing with the ODP National Select team was such a unique experience. Training and competing with such talented teammates and working to build strong bonds over such a brief time was both challenging and rewarding. The coaches there opened me up to new aspects of the game which allowed me to further my knowledge of the game and development as a player. Playing in the final of the Dallas Cup in Toyota Stadium is a memory that I will forever cherish. Overall, this event was amazing, and I hope I can do it again. - Mackenzie Kruer (2007 ODP Player)
Playing with the ODP National Select Team was an incredible growth experience for Mackenzie. It challenged her as a player, a teammate, and a person. I am excited to see how she uses this experience to re-set her personal goals and raise the bar in what she expects from herself in her normal training environment. - Anne Kruer (Mackenzie’s mother)
Jaden Branigan (IFA) and his ODP teammates made the finals of the Dallas Cup and were runner ups.
Adapting to circumstances that are essential to becoming a talented player. For instance: following a strict schedule, rooming with someone I didn’t know for over a week (my roommate spoke another language and we learned how to communicate with each other and ended up having a lot of fun), having to be independent, playing on TV broadcasted by ESPN and getting the experience of what a professional team has every game day.- Jaden Branigan (2006 ODP Player)
The communication from ODP was excellent and extremely thorough. This was the first time Jaden traveled alone to another state, let alone living amongst people he did not know for 10 days. Players were given travel list items to pack, menu options prior to leaving to choose from, and detailed communication concerning pick up from airports/hotel. While in Dallas, Jaden spent the entire time with his team and only saw us for a little while after the game. We highly recommend that if other families have the opportunity for their child to participate at the National ODP level, take advantage of it! The road to earning a spot on the National Team was a rich learning experience for Jaden. - Heather and Bryant (Jaden's Parents)
