Both the 2012 Girls and the High School Showcase teams kicked off their season with an unforgettable overnight pre-season camp at our premier training facility in Daytona. While the camp matched the boys’ in intensity, the girls’ experience carried a unique focus: leadership & development.

Coach Jared Antista set the tone by bringing in top collegiate minds, including Daytona State Head Coach Hope Clark and St. Leo University Women’s Head Coach Ged O’Connor. Their presence elevated the weekend, offering the girls high-level insight into the expectations and mindset required for the next level. Ged’s session was intense and educational. The girls bought in and worked hard to impress the coaches.

On the field, the girls were immersed in a wide range of developmental work — new formations, positional awareness, and possession-based technical training. The evenings were capped with competitive scrimmages under the lights, where the players began translating what they learned into real-game situations.

Off the field, the girls participated in nutrition sessions led by experts such as Kelly Grebner, creating opportunities for growth beyond the game and helping the players better understand how to lead, fuel their performance, and take ownership of their development.

Coach Antista reflected on the weekend with excitement for the season ahead:
“I loved what I saw on the field. For my 2012 girls, this final year together is about pushing boundaries — getting uncomfortable, playing with purpose, breaking lines through possession, and embracing positional versatility. For the new High School Showcase team, I’m excited about their commitment and effort. This will be a strong group. They’re already buying into each other, showing improvement in technical execution and speed of play.”

He added: “I love working with committed and passionate players. Our girls’ program is on the rise in Florida — and we will outwork everyone. No exceptions.”

With the foundation laid in Daytona, both squads are poised for a standout year — built on leadership, intensity, and team unity. DME girls soccer will be a name that every female player in the State wants to represent and this group is the foundation for that dream.