Selke Social

The Dream is a Reality!

I am beyond excited about our purchase of Selke Field. What once felt like a “shoot for the moon dream” has become a reality. When I reflect on the past ten years with CMYSA, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come. Much like the journey of each player we serve, our path as a club has not always been direct or easy. There have been challenges, growth moments, and big wins. But when you look at the bigger picture, you see something truly special: the lasting impact, the development, and the growth of our players.

To announce the purchase, I had the privilege of taking a photo with St. Cloud State President Larry Dietz in front of Selke Field. But the next picture I see in my mind — and the one that captures the heart of this accomplishment — is our players themselves, pushing open that gate and stepping into their new home. Because at the heart of this achievement is our mission: to develop not just skilled athletes, but also great teammates and even greater people.

Watching so many of our CMYSA players now lead their high school teams as captains, I see that mission alive and thriving. Those same players who were just 9U when I joined the program are now leaders in their high schools and colleges - on and off the field.

But here’s the truth: the development of good players and strong leaders doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community. And our community is only as strong as the families who support it. You - our families, our Board, our staff, our donors, and our advocates - are the reason this dream became possible. Your belief in our players, in this program, and most recently, in the purchase of Selke Field has carried us here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

And now, the best part is we can begin using Selke Field right now!

- Our fall competitive teams will practice here in the coming weeks.

- Our fall rec teams, run by SCSU Women’s Soccer, will call this space home.

- And we will celebrate together at our “Selke Social” welcome home event on Sunday, September 21, from 2–5 PM — with food, lawn games, a kickball game, and a 4v4 soccer tournament.

Selke Field is more than a facility. It’s a launching pad - for our program, for our players, and for the next chapter of CMYSA’s story. I cannot wait to see how this space helps us continue to shape players into not only the best athletes they can be, but also the best people for our community. 

Thank you for believing in this dream and for walking alongside us every step of the way. We are truly home.

With gratitude and excitement,

Emily Willaert

President, CMYSA