California Odyssey Soccer Club officially committed to joining the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) as of March 21, 2025. This marks a huge moment in the club’s history and the future of youth soccer in the Central Valley. This transition to the ECNL not only brings the club to one of  the highest levels of girls soccer in the nation, but it also makes Odyssey the first ECNL club in the Central Valley. 

With this move, Odyssey sets a new standard for youth soccer in the Valley, providing local athletes with opportunities to compete on a national stage alongside the best teams in the country. This transition also directly impacts several Fresno Christian soccer players who currently compete for Odyssey, expanding their exposure and development opportunities at an elite national level.

Garret Markarian brings a blend of expertise, leadership and passion to every team he coaches. As head coach of the 2010 ECNL squad and an assistant coach at Fresno Christian, Markarian’s commitment to player development and team success continues to make a lasting impact. Markarian has high hopes for the jump to the ECNL.

“It’s the best thing that could happen to the valley, getting to the top girls platform in the area and having this platform will mean a lot for the program,” Markarian said. “
And once we get all the girls from the valley to buy in and stay, I think that we will make noise.”

Competing in the ECNL demands an elite level of consistency and focus. Every practice, every game and every moment matters because the standard never drops.

“In the ECNL, you will either learn to compete, or you will lose games badly,” Markarian said. “ 
So we just have to let the girls know that, hey, every game’s gonna be tough. You have to show up every day and put in the work.”

The ECNL, a widely known high level of youth soccer, attracts the best teams in the nation. They make it their goal to “raise the game by elevating standards and experience in all aspects of youth soccer.” 

Clubs in this league compete in regional and national events with the top teams advancing to highly competitive tournaments, such as ECNL National Playoffs and the ECNL National Championships. 

By transitioning from the Regional league (ECNL-RL) to the full National League (ECNL), Odyssey’s girls’ teams now have access to this elite competition, gaining valuable experience against the nation’s top competitors.

Lesley Roberts, ‘29, a rising star at both Odyssey and Fresno Christian, is ready to take on the obstacle that is playing for an ECNL club.

“I’m excited to grow with the team,” Roberts said. “Of course it’s going to be really challenging at such a high level, but I’m ready for it.”

For some players, like those from Fresno Christian, the move to full ECNL offers even more exciting possibilities. Several of the club’s players currently excel at the local level and remain eager to showcase their talent on the national stage. Fresno Christian produced standout athletes in the past, and with the increased exposure of ECNL, a handful of these players now own the opportunity to compete against some of the best.

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Wren Klein

The move to ECNL offers exciting new opportunities for girls soccer, allowing the girls to play more competitively and develop their skills.

Meghan Connolly, ‘26, is a force to be reckoned with for both Odyssey and Fresno Christian. Last year at Fresno Christian, she ranked #4 in the U.S. for assists at the varsity girls soccer level with 31 assists. 

“The biggest challenge for me playing for Odyssey now in ECNL is the sacrifices I have made,” Connolly said. “As a senior and as a very social person, I want to say yes to anything social. But playing in this high league, I have to sacrifice those things to work on soccer to get me to that next level. The most rewarding aspect of Odyssey ECNL is the opportunities I have received. I get to play against top D1 athletes and compete.”

Being Connolly’s last year of high school and club soccer, she strives to make the most of it.

“I want to enjoy it and not dwell on the results of the game. I want to try and be a leader and hopefully create a great atmosphere to be in,” Connolly said. “I know stepping off my field for the last time will be full of emotions, and I’m excited to leave everything on the field one last time.”

FC Girls Soccer remains a leading force in developing talent in Central California, winning a Valley Championship last year and taking a close second in the NorCal Regional Championship Match. Many of their top players went on to succeed at both the club and collegiate levels, and with the club’s commitment to full ECNL, a number of FC’s top players are now competing on the national stage with Odyssey.

Kendall Higton, ‘29, has been playing at Odyssey for two years and remains excited about the opportunity to play ECNL. 

“For one, it’s really fun,” Higton said. “And I really like that it’s one of the best leagues you can be in, so that’s a good pathway to get into college.”

Odyssey’s transition to full ECNL marks a monumental step forward, not just for the club but for players and families involved. The club continues to evolve and grow, and Odyssey proves that they’re committed to providing the best possible players. With the ECNL’s backing, they have an incredible platform to do so.

For more from The Feather visit 2024-’25 Varsity girls soccer team celebrate at banquet and Guest Column: Keeper Trinity Banister reflects on monumental season.