This is the Los Angeles Sol: Val Henderson

From 2001 through 2004, Henderson's efforts protecting the net gave her NSCAA/adidas Youth All-American honors for two season, and in 2003 she earned Diablo Foothill Athletic League defensive honors.

Outside of soccer, Henderson excelled as a softball and track/field athlete. She was first-team all-DFAL in both sports, with the pole vault being her specialty.

As the goalkeeper of the Walnut Creek Strikers, Henderson helped her youth club finish second at the state cup in 2003 while leading them to Premier League titles in 2002 and 2003.

Internationally, Henderson had some experience early. She would see time playing with the USA U19 and U17 teams while touring Germany in sporing 2003 as a member of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) All-Star Team. Henderson further sharpened her skills by taking part at the adidas ESP camp in 2002.

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