ONGOING TRYOUTS
The North Valley Tornados are always looking for dedicated and committed soccer players who are up to the challenge of playing class 1 soccer. Players must be born after July 31, 1991. The Tornados train under the guidance of Steve Liu and Jesus Castano. In the last 3 years, Steve and Jesus have developed 4 State-level ODP players and 14 District-level ODP players. References available. Please email Coach Steve Liu at montiezilla@yahoo.com. or call 408-252-5217.

The Tornado Philosophy
The team is dedicated to enriching the lives of the players using the game of soccer. The team foundation consists of a few simple goals.

• Developing individual soccer skills and team tactics to play any position
• Developing good sportsmanship
• Inspiring personal responsibility, hard work, and dedication
• Having Fun

The result is a team that consists of well-rounded, skilled players that not only possess a lifelong love of the game, but who also receive a positive and challenging experience that serves them later in life. A strong emphasis is placed on developing players into leaders both on- and off-field. We help young players acknowledge their successes and take responsibility for areas of improvement. Players recognize the difference between goals (e.g. a trophy) and expectations (e.g. push your limits both physically and technically to achieve). This helps accelerate the learning curve and redirects measurements of success from trivial wins and losses onto positive, meaningful improvements instead.

The team consists of a great group of girls and a tightly knit group of families. The girls on the team have mastered the balance of intensity and having a lot of fun together.

From http://www.cysadistrict2.org/coachpgm.htm

Stephen Liu has been named District II's Girls Coach of the Year for 2007. Steve has volunteered for five years as head coach of the North Valley Tornados, a U16G, Division 1 soccer team with players from Fremont, Milpitas, San Jose, and other neighboring communities.

Steve began his coaching career in 1999 as assistant coach for the Tornados, who were then a U8 recreational team. At the time, he did not have any children and only had limited experience working with kids, but his community-minded spirit, friendly relationships with the players and their families, and love of the game sealed his commitment to this team. The Tornados have been recognized by other teams, coaches, and referees for their sportsmanship, player development, and dedication to the sport. This year, five Tornados were selected for District II ODP teams, and all were selected for their high school teams—with thirteen playing on the varsity level.

Each year, Steve volunteers more than 700 hours to develop practice sessions, plan game strategies, coach the team, and provide personal assessments and guidance for each player. In addition to this time, he also sponsored and organized activities for the Tornados for “Take Your Children to Work” Day at Cisco Systems, participated with the Tornados in the 2007 Relay for Life at Milpitas High School, serves on the North Valley Youth Soccer League board of directors as spring league coordinator, and is a new dad to his six-month old son, Ryan.

"I hope every Tornado prioritizes continuous education.  It's important that players and parents demystify college sports and the process to pursue their goals so they understand what they can do now to give themselves a competitive advantage," said Coach Steve.  "I'm so grateful that Coach Craig prioritizes this too and provided his guidance."

The session was very informative, and covered topics such as:

• College life in general and the importance of deciding the right school for you
• The real demands intercollegiate sports place on student/athletes
• Eligibility rules and selection criteria - the truth about recruitment
• Scholarships and financial assistance
• What players should be doing to prepare themselves now - take active control!

A big, warm Tornado thank you for Craig to volunteer his time.  Go Spartans!

During the course of the day, the Tornados got to experience:

• A private guided tour of the Executive Briefing Center and Demo room where visiting CEOs and leaders of countries come to discuss the future
• A first look at new Cisco Telepresence technology (pictured)
• Private Q&A sessions with key executives: Sue Bostrom (Senior VP, Chief Marketing Officer), Rebecca Jacoby (Senior VP, Chief Information Officer), Paul McNab (VP, Marketing), and Maria Cannon (VP, Sales).
• Hanging out for the afternoon in the Connected Home Demo Room the home of the future

"I may have been slightly crazed to bring 15 teens to work, but there was an opportunity to expose them to more than just soccer.  It will be a day I'll remember for a long time, probably as the most "fun" day I've had at "work" in 12 years," said Steve.  "There was one rule.  It was the same simple rule the team had to follow any time we venture out into public... hotels, etc.  'Don't embarass me!', " he continued.  Fortunately, the Tornados behaved wonderfully.

Congratulations to all the Tornado players! They have successfully completed Campista Loco VI with flying colors! Tornado summer soccer camp has traditionally been an initiation into the new season. For 6 days, players test themselves physically and mentally in the ultimate sacrifice to themselves and their teammates. Most importantly, it is a time to align mindset and attitude to create a strong team bond.

I am very pleased with the positive outlook that the players share for the game, the season, and their teammates. I asked the Tornados the question: "Why Are The Tornados Special To You?" This is what they wrote. I am posting them anonymously because it isn't important to know who wrote what. The important thing is that someone on the team wrote these things and your daughter is one of them!

• I am VERY proud to be a Tornado because of the dedication and love this team has to the game and to each other. We work hard, but we also know how to play hard. We have a ton of fun!
• I enjoy being a Tornado because I don’t think there is a better relationship between the players and the coach than on our team. Like I’ve said before, the Tornados are my second family. If I am struggling, my “sisters” are there covering me. This team has helped me get through some pretty tough things in my life (since it’s in the past, don’t ask). I never worry about having no one there when I’m the last one across the finish line. My teammates are always there cheering me on.
• I like this team better than any other team I’ve been on because of the people, talent, and the desire to succeed and work hard.
• I am proud to be a Tornado because the people are nice and are helping me to be a better soccer player.
• The Tornados are special to me because they train skill and they always give 110% effort. They never give up and always work hard. We are always improving. So while being extemely tough, we still always find a way to have fun together.
• I think that if you have a great team like this one, you will play forever. I think the people on this team will still love soccer enough to be playing in college and beyond. Unlike other teams I’ve been on in the past, we have cool skills AND friendships!
• We may not be there yet, but we will be champions. We all have strong bonds with each other and if we keep that bond, our teamwork can help us win, be recognized by others, and simply be the best out there.
• I am proud to be a Tornado because “We-R-Fam-i-lee!” On my old team everyone blamed each other for mistakes or for losing. On this team, we always stick together!
• I like being a Tornado because I feel like I belong with my teammates. When new girls come on the team, we instantly become friends. I also believe that we have all the potential in the world and all we have to do is make that potential into a reality.
• I am proud to be a Tornado because I love my sistahs! Everyone is very nice and helpful. Duh!
• I am a Tornado because when I tried out, I liked the atmosphere, the positive attitude of the coach, and I was happy with the good skills of the team during the first scrimmage I went to.
• I am proud to be a Tornado because of the comraderie that all the players share. I think this team is one of the most dedicated teams to soccer and to each other. They pour their heart and soul into the game and give it everything they’ve got, win or lose.
• The Tornados are special to me because we aren’t like other teams who just play on the field. We are all best friends which makes it easier to play on the field. We all hang out together and unlike other teams we’re really cool!
• I am a Tornado because we appreciate hard work and we go through hard work together and have a good time doing it.

Well, it was years in the making, but it finally happened! Steve and Leslie got married on July 1, 2006 at Palmdale Estates in Fremont. Tornados from today and yesterday were there in full effect. It was hard to recognize them without shinguards, ponytails, and sweat on their faces :-)

The food must have been good. The Tornados hit the buffet two, three, and I think maybe four times (Mari!). They got to meet Steve's famous aunt (the big liar!) and the rest of the family and friends. In the end, they even got to cut a rug with Steve (now I know who has rhythm!) and built their own Conga Line. Thanks to Jesus, Amanda, Angelica, Danielle, Elizabeth, Julia, Kristen, Liz, Mari, Rachel, Sarah, and Vanessa for coming. The wedding certainly was energized by your presence ;-)

Special thanks to Dani and Julia for working the video camera. The commentary is hilarious! Also, my warmest thanks to the Tornados of the past, Amanda, Boo, Desiree, Emily, Hayley, and Melina for coming and showing that you are forever Tornados at heart! It makes me feel great that this team is still special to you guys!