'08 Camp Photos | '07 Camp Photos | Camp Testimonials | Camp Philosophy and Directors Camp Account LogIn | FAQs | Camp Forms

Camp Philosophy

The goal of the South Carolina Soccer School is to provide a positive learning environment for all participants. A competitive but enjoyable atmosphere will be encouraged. A "games" approach to teaching individual technique will incorporate small group tactics to further develop each player. Coach Smith and her staff have taught these fundamentals in New England and the Southeast over the past 17 years.

Camp Directors

Director, Shelley Smith - When Shelley Smith took over the South Carolina program in 2001, she knew that it was only a matter of time before she and her staff would turn the Gamecocks into what Soccer Buzz magazine calls "the SEC's newest threat." After the most successful three year run in program history with back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, Smith has the state's flagship university in position to vie for the program's first SEC championship due to the staff's dedication to developing talented student-athletes to play to the best of their ability. Under Smith's direction, the Gamecocks have seen the first All-American and SEC Player of the Year in program history as Blakely Mattern took the honors as a sophomore in 2007. In addition, Smith has directed the program to 19 All-SEC honors since 2001. Most of her players took in their first experience with Gamecock soccer by attending the South Carolina Soccer School, a series of summer camps designed to provide a competitive yet positive learning environment for both field players and goalkeepers. Whether you're just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills for the collegiate level, there is a camp suited for you. When you leave Columbia at the end of camp, you will understand why players enjoy being a Gamecock. This is Carolina Soccer...come be a part of history!

Asst. Director, Jamie Smith - Jamie is an Assistant Director of the Carolina Soccer Schools and is the Associate Head Coach at the University of South Carolina. In 2002 he was honored nationally as one of the AFLAC Assistant Coaches of the Year. A four year starting Goalkeeper at Providence College of the Big East Conference, Jamie was also a professional player in the USISL and ALeague. He has been a 4 year member of the SC ODP staff and is the current coach for the SC 91 team. Jamie holds his NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, USSF "B" License and Goalkeeping Diploma.

Asst. Director, Mat Cosgriff - Mat is an Assistant Director of the Carolina Soccer Schools. He serves as the Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach at the University of South Carolina. He has developed GKs at USC to become some of the best in the SEC. GK Laura Armstrong earned SEC honors in 2006 with a SEC defensive player of the week, All SEC tournament team, and Top Drawer Soccer College team of the year. GK Lindsay Thorstenson was named the NSCAA national player of the week in 2007 after becoming the first GK to shutout North Carolina ever in a home opener. Mat is has been a part of the SC ODP staff for the past 3 years. Previously he was the Assistant Coach for the men's program at the University of Maine before coming south. Mat was a Goalkeeper for the University of Maine and played with Vermont Voltage of the PDL. He holds his NSCAA National Diploma.

Our enthusiastic Camp Staff is comprised of nationally licensed coaches with college and/or top high school/club experience. They will be assisted by some of the best collegiate players in the Southeast.