Attendees of the inaugural NSCAA Summer Symposium in August are in for a unique treat in the form of a player who has reached the heights of competition.

Former U.S. Men’s National Team member, National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, and current TV analyst Alexi Lalas is slated to give the keynote address on player development at the event later this summer.

“This is a unique and exciting opportunity for me to talk about player development to a room full of people who do it every day,” Lalas said. “I look forward to the dialogue this topic will create, and sharing my thoughts based on my own experiences.”

Joe Cummings, NSCAA CEO, added: “Adding Alexi to our Summer Symposium lineup enhances the quality and excitement we have in launching this event. This event is about educating coaches to better the game and I have no doubt that the insight he will share will add to the experience.”

Even though he didn’t start playing soccer until 11 years old, Lalas caught on quickly and would eventually become the 1987-88 Gatorade Michigan Boys Soccer Player of the Year following his senior campaign.

National recognition would continue to follow the Birmingham, Mich.-native into his collegiate years at Rutgers University. There, Lalas would garner NSCAA All-America nods three of his four years, and earn both the NSCAA’s Hermann Trophy and the Missouri Athletic Club’s Player of the Year award in his senior season.

Lalas broke out onto the national and international stage in 1991 with the U.S. Men’s National Team. In March 1991, he earned his first of his 96 caps in a 2-2 tie with Mexico. In addition to his spot with the USMNT, Lalas would also spend time with the Italian Serie A club, Padova.

His professional experiences also included stints with several Major League Soccer teams, including the New England Revolution, the MetroStars (the precursor to the New York Red Bulls), the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC) and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Following his playing days, Lalas has continued to play a role in the sport that he’s played for so many years. He served as president and general manager for the San Jose Earthquakes, the New York Red Bulls and the Los Angeles Galaxy. He now works as an analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports.

Registration and housing for the 2013 Summer Symposium is open and available online at NSCAA.com/Symposium.

Modeled after the highly successful NSCAA Convention, the Summer Symposium will provide coaches with educational sessions, networking opportunities and a sense of belonging as an NSCAA member, aspects which are staples of the Association.

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