Sandpoint sophomore to play in national tournament in Orlando

SANDPOINT - Accomplishing something a select few from the state of Idaho ever have, Sandpoint sophomore Tanner Williams was recently named to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Regional soccer team, cementing his status as one of the top youth players in in Idaho, if not the western U.S.

Williams was one of 18 players named to the 1993 ODP Region 4 team, so named for the year each player was born, and comprised of the premier players from 14 western states, including California. To gain selection, Williams had to distinguish himself from 280 invited ODP players at a week-long camp in McMinnville, Ore. At week's end 36 players were picked as holdovers and invited to stay another four days at camp, after which the final cuts were finally made.

"That's huge for him. Idaho has only had a few players that ever made it," says Brian Farber, one of those few who is now playing professionally in the PASL (formerly the MISL). "They pick a team of 18 that is narrowed down from thousands of kids."

Williams, who led the state champion Bulldogs with 16 assists this year to go along with 12 goals, will play in a national tournament against the other three regional teams the day after Christmas in Orlando, Florida. Scores of college scouts will be on hand to watch some of the elite youth players in the country. If Williams remains on the Region 4 team after that, he'll get a chance to play in Argentina in February.

Williams, who hopes to play Division 1 soccer in college, said he was nervous at the start of the process before finally realizing he was one of the better players on his team.

"I'm really excited. I've been doing it (ODP) for years and it finally paid off," says Williams, adding what he loves most about the game. "Seeing our team kill the other team."

Craig Warner, Director of Operations for Idaho Youth Soccer, called the selection extremely rare, saying it was only the second time in the few years he's been on the job that an Idaho athlete made the team. Warner has seen Williams play and believes he's got not just the physical tools, but a very advanced feel for the game.

"He has that ability to sniff out a goal," says Warner, lauding his field awareness and foot skills. "He loves the game so much and will go as far as he wants, basically."