LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL – In a remarkable display of talent and determination, three freshman U-15 girls took center stage as they played up on the U-16 ECNL team at the ECNL Florida Winter Showcase held from January 7-9, 2024. Alexandra de Beaulac (#36, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy), Lilah Helwig (#37), and Kherington Yezik (#44) showcased their skills and left an indelible mark on the tournament.
"The ECNL Florida Winter Showcase is the biggest showcase event outside of Nationals. There were 229 teams competing," said de Beaulac. "It was amazing to see the sidelines filled with coaches and scouts from over 242 Division I universities, and hundreds of Division II and III coaches watching all the girls showcase their skills. It humbled me to think that I had been called up a year earlier to play alongside so many talented players. It was truly next level."
De Beaulac, playing as a forward, exhibited an impressive performance with several shots on goal. One standout moment included a powerful knuckle ball that struck the crossbar before being skillfully rebounded for a goal. The sheer tenacity and precision displayed by de Beaulac underscored her potential as a rising star in the soccer world.
Helwig, taking on the role of center midfielder (CM), had a standout performance in Game 3. She notched her first goal with a well-executed header and followed it up with a second goal just minutes later. Helwig's ability to contribute both defensively and offensively showcased her versatility and soccer acumen.
Meanwhile, Yezik held her ground as a central midfielder, consistently driving the ball forward and maintaining control of the game's tempo. Her adept skills and strategic play contributed significantly to the team's success during the showcase.
The ECNL Florida Winter Showcase proved to be a platform for the FC Delco '08 ECNL Girls, where they emerged as the only team to secure a three-game shutout. This outstanding achievement catapulted them into the ranks of the top 5 teams, showcasing the team's collective prowess and resilience.
FC DELCO Freshman U-15 Girls Team in Florida - Photo courtesy of Nicole Fluck (FC Delco ECNL ‘08)
ENCL Florida Winter Showcase - Game Photos by Nicole Fluck (FC Delco ECNL ‘08)
In a testament to the caliber of play exhibited at the showcase, over 242 Division 1, 2, and 3 coaches and scouts were in attendance. The presence of such a substantial number of coaches and scouts underscores the significance of this event as a talent showcase and a valuable opportunity for young players to make a lasting impression on college-level soccer programs.
The performances of de Beaulac, Helwig, and Yezik not only highlighted their individual skills but also underscored the strength and depth of the FC Delco '08 ECNL Girls team. As these rising stars continue to make waves on the soccer field, their achievements at the showcase undoubtedly mark the beginning of promising careers in the world of competitive soccer.