2023 First Closed Tryouts
2023 Spiders Tryouts continued last Saturday in Alameda at the UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital Training Facility. Following open tryouts, just under 60 players were invited to the first of two closed tryouts on the beautiful natural grass fields. As the home of the Oakland Roots, Oakland Soul, and formerly the Oakland Raiders, the excitement from players and staff was palpable throughout the nearly four-hour tryout.
Following warm-ups, Head Coach Dan Silverstein and Captains Keenan Laurence, Evan Magsig, and Max Williams divided players into teams for 5v5 short-field games (dubbed “mini”), followed by throwing and defensive positioning drills. From the opening pull it was clear players were ready to compete, with layouts across all three mini fields. The defensive intensity, combined with a stiff Bay Area wind, proved challenging for the offense throughout the first half of tryouts.
Despite the tough conditions, the atmosphere remained positive and supportive of all players. Impromptu cheers of “inch by inch” and “3 B’s!” rang out from the various teams during scrimmages and between drills, a testament to the Joy Oakland will look to bring throughout the season.Following the final scrimmage, and a lively cheer of “5-1-Oakland!” Team leadership is now faced with the difficult task of bringing back the best of the best for a final closed tryout on Saturday, Feb. 25th.
The remaining players will need to stay sharp, continue to improve, and be ready for another tough tryout in less than two weeks. Stay tuned for updates on the Oakland Spiders as we continue our journey toward becoming one of the top teams in the AUDL!
Photo by [Ron Sellers]
