THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 25, 1996 TAG: 9607240131
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 59 lines
Former Nansemond-Suffolk Academy star Gabe Valencia will miss his first few practices for the William and Mary soccer team, but at least the Tribe coaches will know where he is.
Valencia, the player who keyed a resurgence in Saints' soccer last season, will spend two weeks in Germany next month competing in tournament action for the Virginia Olympic Development Program Under-18 team.
The trip runs Aug. 8-19; William and Mary practice begins Aug. 16.
``It's a very big honor,'' said Valencia, who turned down James Madison University to accept a full scholarship with the Tribe. ``I'm extremely excited.''
It should also pay off as he tries to make an impact as a freshman with the Tribe, who reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament last season. Valencia said that while he's been doing some running and playing twice a week in the Virginia Beach Premier League, he isn't in top shape.
``But this gives me something to work toward,'' he said. ``By the time I get to Germany, I should pretty much be fully conditioned. Then I'll be ready when I get to William and Mary.''
Highlights of the trip include a workout at a training center for German athletes, two games against German second-division professional teams, a trip to Amsterdam, an audience with the mayor of Mannheim and a berth in the eight-team Mannheim tournament featuring teams from throughout the world.
The team to beat figures to be Brazil's Vitoria de Bahia, which recently won the prestigious U.S. Dallas Cup.
The trip will set the Valencias back $1,350, but as Gabe put it, ``it's worth it.''
Of course, travel is nothing new to Valencia, who was born in Sweden, moved to the area from Philadelphia last summer and has traveled through most of the United States through his club team, the Richmond Capitals. He also has traveled extensively through his involvement with the Northeast Olympic Development Program, and did a stint at the national ODP camp in Florida last summer.
His arrival at Nansemond-Suffolk was key in transforming the Saints from a 4-14 team a year ago to a group that reached the TCIS tournament semifinals. Valencia finished with 17 goals and 11 assists and was named first-team All Tidewater.
``We weren't just a one-man team,'' said N-SA coach Tom Gill. ``We just needed someone who could give the other guys confidence. Gabe was that guy for us.''
At 6-2, 188 pounds, Valencia cuts an imposing figure on the soccer field. More importantly, he knows it.
``I like to rely on skill, but I have a good physical advantage,'' Valencia said. ``It helps my game a lot.''
Valencia also benefits from the fact that he's a natural lefty, which like in basketball can throw off defenders used to expecting players to favor their right sides.
``But he's also very strong with his right foot, too,'' Gill said. ILLUSTRATION: File photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Former N-SA star Gabe Valencia will compete in Germany next month. by CNB