BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb head women's soccer coach Mike Varga will join the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program National Staff, traveling internationally this spring.

Varga will travel with the program to England before coaching in Dallas, Texas, later this spring.

"It's an honor for me to be selected to the Olympic Development Program National Staff," said Varga.  "I look forward to working with Dawn Crow, the ODP staff and the players that have been selected for what should be a once in a lifetime experience for these young ladies. 

"The international competition that the team will face while in England and the level of competition in Dallas will be an incredible opportunity for growth for everyone involved."

Varga's experience should be dividends for the Olympic Development Program (ODP). He is coming off another fine postseason run, leading his Gardner-Webb squad all the way to the 2022 Big South Conference title match.

"We are excited to have Mike join the Olympic Development Program's National Staff for the 2022-23 cycle," said Aaron Heffernan, Senior Manager of ODP. "Mike brings more than a decade of coaching experience from two State Association ODP programs -- as well as two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate level. With Mike leading from the sideline, we are confident that the Olympic Development Program will have a successful international trip to England and a strong showing at Dallas Cup in April."

The US Youth Soccer ODP was formed in 1977 and a formalized program for girls was created in 1982. The goal of the organization is to identify and provide opportunities for high potential players and to facilitate their development.

The program is a nationally recognized youth identification and development pathway for US soccer players.