Lauren Gregg
Assistant Coach, U.S. Women's National Team, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist, 1999 World Cup Champion, U-21 U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach, had this to say...
“I have known Tracy for over ten years as a world class athlete and as one of the top female goalkeeper coaches in the country. She was always fit-- and not just fit enough to be a goalkeeper; she went after it with all she had-- to be her best. She developed the technical and tactical aspects of her game along side her incredible fitness, earning a coveted spot on the US Women's National Team that won the 1999 World Cup.”
Here's what her students think...
“I am just dropping an email to express my appreciation for your camp and the counselors! I learned so, so, so much during that week as well as made some really fantastic friends that I still keep in touch with! I have even brought the experiences and lessons to my games! I really can not convey just how much this camp has done for me! I learned a ton of very valuable information on the tactical game of soccer, picked up A LOT of techniques that I have never learned, and touched up certain skills that I had not properly learned. Like before I went to your camp, I was never the big extension diver to tip the ball over the crossbar. I was just never taught any of those techniques! So at camp, we worked on them so much that it somewhat just became built into my mind! (Even though I really didn’t believe that I, Lauren Smedley, could actually perform one of those 'COOL professional tip over dives'). Well, on the last day of regional camp, while 3 regional coaches were watching I might add, I DID IT!!!!!!!! Like, I didn’t even think, I JUST DID IT! Like I do it every morning before breakfast!! And to top it all off it was the RIGHT technique! I landed on the ground and was like, in total shock. As I was walking back to the dorm after the game, I replayed the save in my head: sight, foot work, take off, right arm, right hand positioning, right finger movement, AND VOILA! Needless to say, I was thanking you ALLLLL the way back to the dorm. It was just, FREAKEN’ amazing... THANKKK YOUUU”
- Lauren Smedley, NJ Wildcats, Hamilton, NJ
“This camp felt very personalized. I always felt like I was being focused on. It was far better than Regional Camp. Everyone seemed to be on the same page. This has been by far one of my best experiences. I’ve learned so much in these couple of days – it’s remarkable!”
- Anna Sieloff, Vardar Stars, Troy, MI
“At Dynasty Goalkeeping, we are trained by the best keepers in the nation. But not only are we train by them, we get to build relationships with them. Two weeks after the camp, my club team traveled to play in the Regional 3 tournament. One of my coaches from Dynasty, Anna Rodenbough, was playing in the Region Tournament as well. It was a lot of fun to watch her play. I enjoyed speaking with her after her game. We talked about how the tournament was going for each of us and about some of the shots that she saved against the Dallas Texans. Dynasty Goalkeeping not only trains goalkeepers but it gives them connections for the future.”
- Emily Allen, Fury Premier, Memphis, TN
“This camp wasn’t all about going through as many drills as quick as possible in the time allotted. Instead the coaches took the time to improve the camper’s goalkeeping skills. Also, the lectures were very unique. They had good health information and college search help.”
- Calle McCallister, Concorde Fire, Marietta, GA
“Choosing the correct pathway for one’s future is extremely difficult to do without guidance, structure, and the much needed insight of an experienced veteran player. Tracy is the kind of person who remains your mentor, role model, and coach forever. When camp is over contact is far from lost. She is always checking on how your doing in both soccer and life. The experience that is achieved at Dynasty Goalkeeping Camp is close to indescribable and is greatly rewarding.”
- Taylor Comiskey, Vardar Stars, West Bloomfield, MI (repeat camper)
“The player to coach ratio was amazing. Being able to get so many reps and have such individualized attention was GREAT! Also, the videos were very effective. Being able to critique ourselves with Tracy was so helpful.”
- Allie Albright, Richmond Strikers, Richmond, VA
“Tracy is such a breath of fresh air because of how kind and positive she is. She has helped me learn to be excited and optimistic about my future as a goalkeeper. I owe a lot to her encouragement and training. She has shown me what kind of person I want to be: pure of heart, soul, and mind.”
– Ashlyn Angell, CASL Elite, Raleigh, NC
“I just wanted to let you know that you have really inspired me to be the best that I am capable of being. Your camp made me more dedicated, more confident, and more disciplined in every aspect of being an athlete. You really have no idea how much your camp has helped me. Thank you.”
– Emmy Simpkins, FC Carolina Alliance, Concord, NC (repeat camper)
“I have been to some of the most well respected goalkeeper camps in the world and none of them compare to this camp. I have been a goalkeeper for eleven years and I still learned more here than anywhere else. At Dynasty Goalkeeping it’s not just about saving the game winner, it’s about nutrition, fitness, strength, but above all else having the passion and the discipline to prepare like a champion.”
- Kat Goscha, BV Stars, Bucyrus, KS
“The most effective feature of this camp was that there were so few goalkeepers in camp. It created more one-on-one coaching and was very personal. Everyone got equal attention. The campus, fields, workouts, and staff were all amazing!”
– Caitlyn Randels, United Gaels, Paoli, PA
“Attending Dynasty Goalkeeping Academy really improved my game and gave me a better outlook on my role as a keeper, my nutrition and my lifestyle. Tracy and Chris helped me gain confidence in myself and helped me become physically and mentally prepared for anything in the future whether in soccer or in life. I want to keep coming back because I know what to expect – that we’ll be working hard, but we’ll be having a blast at the same time.”
- Cody Miles, LOSC Havoc, Salem, OR (repeat camper)
“In the five days I spent in North Carolina I learned details I was never taught before. Coach Ducar’s methods are extremely effective. Her calm and somewhat relaxed demeanor made it easier to acquire the information she was teaching us. Her thorough and true understanding of the game really came through.”
- Rachel Bowers, Athens United, Athens, GA
“The environment at this camp is like no other. You are surrounded by incredible coaches and other competitive keepers that want to learn. There is a high intensity level the entire time.”
- Brittany Cocozza, RI Rays, East Greenwich, RI
“This week was incredible. I feel that I am leaving camp with so much more knowledge and skill of goalkeeping than ever before. The small group allowed us to become close and have a lot of fun. It also gave me a lot more repetitions in goal to fine tune my techniques and improve my weaknesses.”
- Kelly Scrivener, Galaxy, Alexandria, VA
“I met Tracy in the summer of 1997. She was my coach at Soccer Plus Goalkeeper Camp. Her work ethic and hard-nosed training style had an immediate and long lasting effect on me. She influenced me to adopt these same principles and I applied them throughout my goalkeeping career. Consequently I was able to make a meaningful impact during my time at the University of North Carolina and went on to be drafted to play professional soccer in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA).”
– Kristin DePlatchett, Cincinnati, OH – UNC-Chapel Hill 1998-2001, WUSA Atlanta Beat 2002
“The reason Tracy Ducar is a truly great coach and has had such an impact on me is that she has taught me about every element of being a soccer player. Learning about nutrition, strength and conditioning, and the psychological aspects of the game really make a difference when you are playing at the highest levels of soccer.”
- Jesse George-Nichol, Chapel Hill, NC - Princeton University 2010
"Tracy Ducar has been one of the most influential people in my soccer career. Looking back and comparing my goalkeeping ability before training with Tracy and after training with her is like comparing night and day. She taught me that in order to play at the highest levels of soccer, skill and technique are essential; however, she also emphasized that good nutrition, fitness, and mentality are integral to reaching the upper echelon of play. This is an excerpt from a quote which Tracy gave to me when we first began training and which I believe embodies the most important life lesson she taught me: 'If you believe in something, and are willing to do whatever it takes to improve yourself to reach your goals, then you cannot be denied.' "
– Katie Zarzar, Chapel Hill, NC –UNC-Chapel Hill 2003 & 2004
Here's what the parents have seen…
“I must compliment you highly for the terrific camp you have established. My daughter, Chandler, had the best time ever and was challenged at every turn. She learned so much and has been filled with desire to go even farther than she thought she could. She now has the answers to so many questions that have been plaguing her and no one could seem to find the answer for. Chandler felt special at your camp and that connection is so important to a student. If someone feels special then, as an instructor, you "have them in the palm of your hand and they will learn all you have to offer"! In the beginning, the cost of your camp was a deterrent, but now I must say it was worth every penny! Just to hear Chandler say how much she has learned, experienced, was challenged and how excited she was to find someone who is as passionate about Whole Foods as she is makes it dollars well spent. I do not know if you are aware yet but you now have a protégé for life in my daughter. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
- Rhea Follett, Plano, TX
“Thank you for sending Adelaide the personal note and pictures from the camp. Dynasty Goalkeeping Academy is the finest goalkeeper program in the country. There is nothing that compares. I suspect the Soccer Plus ANTC program was supposed to be like it at its inception, but what you have built today is without comparison. It is really first class, and you really helped A. More than just running a goalkeeper camp (many do that), you really care about what you do, and you take great pains to do it well. All the thought and effort shows in the camp, but it also shows in the little things, like your note to Adelaide.”
- John Gay, Skillman, NJ
“I just want to tell you what a great and important week Allie had at camp. Her confidence is elevated, and her understanding of what her strengths and weaknesses are clearer. She is on a path that may lead to a much stronger and more complete player. I want to personally thank you for making a real impact in Allies life. She recently did a Bio for Nationals, and listed you as her favorite player! We'll be back!”
- Peter Albright, Richmond, VA
“Tracy, thanks for the short time Churchill got to spend with you and your cohorts. Churchill absolutely loved it and you guys have lit a fire under her. All of her feedback was positive. What a great concept to keep going with the small group. Don’t let it grow too BIG! What she came out of camp with is nothing that my other four children were able to experience. She is already looking forward to next year.”
- Virginia O’Connell, McLean, VA
“Olivia appears to have truly benefited from your training. She is playing extremely well, her form and decisions are solid, and she just had an exceptional game last night making a number of critical saves. You have even impacted her eating habits, at least, initially. Looking forward to seeing how much will take hold in the coming months. Olivia will definitely be coming back again next year. If possible, she may come for two sessions.”
- Peter Hemme, Louisville, KY
“Jessica had such a wonderful and educational experience at your camp. She is already applying what she learned in her KUFC Cosmos team practices and her WPSL Chicago Breeze practices and games. She's told me so much about her experience and its obvious to me that your camp was well run, very educational and all around first class. She's already talking about possibly attending next year.”
- Phil Rolfs, Normal, IL
“This is her type of camp. I don’t know if you can get too intense for Lauren because she takes training so seriously. We looked at the schedule and it has so many components that are so important. Too many camps give you a little instruction in the morning and then the rest of the time you stand in the goal for games. What you have laid out are things that build the complete keeper.”
- Dennis Arnold, Birmingham, AL
“Emily had a WONDERFUL time! I only saw her for a few moments last night but she was excited, positive and charged. I feel like "thank you" is not an adequate phrase to express what we feel! Thank you for giving her this opportunity. She loved your teaching style; learning from you; the training sessions; talking to you; the food she ate; and I know so much more that I haven't even heard about yet. I look forward to hearing more from her. Thank you for sharing what you love with Emily.”
– Jill Allen, Memphis, TN
“After your child has trained with Tracy Ducar, you will realize that few, if any, of the soccer coaches you know, understand the position of goalkeeper or how to train for the unique skills and mindset of a successful keeper. My daughter was hardworking and determined, but could only be described as an average player, at best. Tracy taught her the technical skills and instilled in her the values (good nutrition, strength and conditioning training, etc.) of a committed athlete. Most importantly, however, Tracy taught my daughter to believe in herself. I had thought my daughter's dream of playing in college was just that, a dream. She is now committed to join a Division I program next fall. I have no doubt that much of the credit for that success goes to Tracy.”
- Glenn George, Chapel Hill, NC
“Both our daughter, Katie, and our son, Chris, have been fortunate to train with Tracy Ducar for many years. While neither Katie nor Chris possess the physical size that is valued for goalkeepers, the technical skills, tactical skills, and tough mentality that Tracy has taught them have taken them to high levels of play. We are grateful to her for helping Katie and Chris stop goals on the soccer field and reach goals off the soccer field!”
- Michael and Krista Zarzar, Chapel Hill, NC
“As a parent, I can't tell you how much it means to have people, especially women, be such a positive influence in my impressionable adolescent's life. More than the fun and fitness, Alex has learned so much from playing sports and being around strong role models. Thanks for what you have given her already.”
– Susan Perry, Raleigh, NC
“Every time I think about Kristine and her amazing transformation, I can't help but remember Tracy and the positive impact she had on both her and Monica. At a critical time in Kristine’s development, she watched how Tracy took care of herself as an athlete through exercise and nutrition, not just to win a game, but to lead a healthy lifestyle. Kristine soaked it all up like a sponge and has applied it to her life.”
– Kathy Welsh, Wellesley, MA
“Eli’s level of enthusiasm for the game has risen, (if that was possible!), and she is now putting soccer in perspective with the rest of her life. This is exactly where we wanted all this to take her. Tracy is a gem!”
- Nancy and Rob Hyde-DeRuyscher, Chapel Hill, NC
Here's what youth coaches are saying...
""Your impact on Sam was incredible and is long lasting. From that exact point on she has been a different player and a different person. She plays with tremendous confidence and poise. She walks and carries herself with great pride. Every time she gets possession of the ball I smile because of the incredible poise she shows. On behalf of the Norwin Lady Knight players and coaches, and especially on behalf of Sam, I thank you for your time and you inspiration. You have made a huge impact on a very deserving and tremendous young lady. Thank you."
- Dana Ferry, Head Coach, Norwin Lady Knights, North Huntingdon, PA
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