Name: Tina Ellertson  

Women’s National Team and St Louis Athletica Star Tina Ellertson recently went into residency at Universal Soccer Academy with the goal of improving her Technical Skills and Tactical Awareness. Training Daily Tina was able to work with Universal Staff and take her game to a new level.  

Tina you recently spent 18 Days training with the staff of Universal Soccer Academy. How was your experience?

It was such a great experience! James is such a great teacher of the game. And his passion for the game is contagious. He gave me a ton of confidence and helped me look at the game in a whole new light. I came all the way from Washington State to be trained by him and it was a trip well worth it. I plan on making the trip out here a couple times a year to get his top class training!

What was the focus of your training program with the Academy?
 

The focus of my training sessions with James was Technique technique technique, Skills skills skills. We worked on getting me more comfortable on the ball. We had 3 hour session that consisted of ball receiving drills(out of the air, on the ground all types of receiving), Passing drills( driven balls, bending balls, chip balls all types), dribbling drills as well. His session were very intense skill focused. I left each training session feeling like I was pushed both physically and technically and that is exactly what I needed in this off season.

And did you improve in these areas?  
 

After my first training session I was so excited at the level of training I was going to be getting for the next couple weeks and I knew that if I listened an applied what he was trying to teach me that I was going to leave a different player. I saw improvements everyday and now that I am home I am doing my best to continue what he has taught me. I have grown to become a lot more comfortable on the ball and I am excited to keep that growth going. James creates such a great atmosphere for growth and learning and his sessions have been such a blessing to me. 

You had the opportunity to work with upcoming Universal Students. Were you surprised with the level of the Academy students?  
 

The first thing I thought about when I saw his Acedemy students is Wow! What an advantage these kids have in getting this type of training. I thought I need to get my 8 year old daughter MacKenzie out here. There skills were far advance and it was so great to see how time and good training can really pay off! 

So now that you are a Universal Student where is your game heading? What goals do you have set?

I want to become the best Tina I can be. My goal is to maximize my potential and grow into a strong, solid, consistent soccer player.  Universal has set me on the path to becoming that. I am excited to continue the hard work and see how my game improves! 
 

The WPS is starting in March. How do you see your team St Luis Athletica progressing in the second year of WPS?

What did you learn from the first year of WPS?  

I am looking forward to starting my second season in St Louis! We had a great run at it last year, finishing 2nd in the league and making it to the semifinals! I learned a ton and loved getting to play at the pro-level. Our team is a great mix of skill, athleticism, and talent! I cant wait to see what this season has in store. Last year taught me a lot about myself, the drive it takes to bring your A game week in and week out is not easy task. But when you are ask to you realize that if you put in the work and you stay focus you can. I thank God that he gave me this opportunity to play in the league and play for St. Louis Athletica.

You are a pro that has played for the USA and been around the game at all levels. What advice do you have for any young soccer player out there looking to reach the top?

Always keep the faith! There are going to be times when it gets hard, or your confronted with struggle. Whether its fitness, hitting a ball with your left foot, understand your role on the field. Face it head on and know that it going to make you better. Keep believing in yourself, those struggles are what going to help you grow!!
 

We hear that the Universal Staff gave you a rigorous workout to do when away from the Academy. How has it been?  

I was very sad to leave "The Blue Barrn"( thats what we call the place James trained us at) But I was so thankful to get some workouts to take home with me and I have been keeping up on them! "It takes milage and hard work to become the player you want to become," those are words from James that will always stick with me!