What influence has soccer had in your life?

Soccer has impacted my life in almost every aspect. For me, it goes further than just filling up my schedule and teaching me how to play a sport. It has taught me so many important lessons, like how to always have a positive attitude even if things aren’t going the way you want them to. Soccer has also taught me responsibility, self-accountability, and sportsmanship.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe I was nominated for this award because I am always working hard to get better regardless of everything around me. I dedicate everything to soccer and enjoy it along the way. I also think I was nominated because I am a big leader and make sure to positively lead a team to success.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

I enjoy two things. The first thing that I enjoy is how much availability there is for other opportunities. There’s a constant source of programs, private training, and camps for us to improve on all fronts. I also really like the energy and just the overall attitude of the people. You can tell that everyone here loves the game and is excited to be here. Everyone is so positive and has such a great attitude.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

Scoring a game-winning PK to win my team’s championship game of the spring cup. I am also very proud of my clean sheet games, and game-deciding saves. Lastly, I am very proud of how much I have grown and improved over the fall season after moving to South.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

Scoring a 1327 on the PSAT as well as being in the Gifted and Talented program and taking 2 years of advanced math.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

I think my teammates would describe me as the energy of the team. I always make sure to bring a good attitude no matter what is going on and try to motivate my team and keep the energy up. I think they would also describe me as dedicated and hard-working. Soccer is my first priority and no matter what I make sure to be there to motivate the team.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

When I was in the 5th grade, a boy in my class was being bullied by his friends so he went and sat alone at a table and looked really sad. When I saw it, I told my friends, and we all went over to his table, ate with him, and kept him company.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

My favorite player is Brittany Wilson, who is the keeper for Angel City FC and my favorite team is the US Women’s team.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

I hope to go on to be Gatorade player of the year and play for the University of North Carolina as starting keeper. My biggest goal in life is to play for the US Women’s team. I also aspire to play on ECNL and each day work hard to get closer and closer to that dream.

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

My biggest inspiration is God. This is because I have everything to thank Him for, and He has always kept me safe and blessed me. Other people also inspire me, like the USMNT Keeper because he didn’t even start playing soccer until high school, and it reminds me to slow down, and I don’t have to do everything right now.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

Outside of playing for CRYSC, I really enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, going on runs, and watching movies.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

At Douglas County High School, Shawn has been a starter his entire high school career, earning three varsity letters and adding impressive accolades to his resumé, including:

• Honorable Mention Continental All-League (Spring 2021)
• 1st Team Continental All-League (Fall 2021, Fall 2022)
• Team Captain (Fall 2022)

Outside of soccer, Shawn runs track at Douglas County, qualifying for the 5A Colorado State Championships in three events. In his younger years, Shawn was a gifted cross-country runner, competing in various USATF Junior Olympic Events across Colorado and regularly making nationals. In 2014, Shawn won the national event for his age group. Shawn is also a 6x All-American in XC.

While he isn’t playing sports, Shawn is an active member of his community. He spends his free time volunteering for organizations such as Rylies ARK, St. Francis of Assisi Food Bank, and the Town of Castle Rock Athletics. He is also a track coach for the Town of Castle Rock youth track teams and a member of both the St. Francis of Assisi youth group and Journey Church youth group.

In March, Shawn will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Shawn to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!

What influence has soccer had in your life?

Soccer was a big part of my childhood from when I was four years old, playing for Storm before Rapids. Through it, I have met many great friends, which has made me love the sport. Soccer training has helped improve me at other sports I participate in.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe I was nominated for this award because of my work ethic and hard work on the field to help my teammates.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

What I enjoy most is the community of great coaches and players who all love the sport and are all willing to help you improve. One of my favorite memories with Rapids happened this past January when we traveled to Germany with my teammates and other club players and played soccer in a different country. I never imagined that I would get the opportunity to play against three different German teams and also get to attend a professional soccer match in Stuttgart, Germany—an unbelievable chance of a lifetime that I will never forget.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of playing Varsity at Douglas County High School during my freshman, sophomore, and junior years, being Captain for my high school team my Junior year, and being selected First Team All-League in the 5A Continental League two years in a row. I am looking forward to my senior year in the fall at Douglas County and playing my last two seasons with Rapids this spring and next year.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

I was in the National Junior Honor Society in middle school. I then started high school during covid in 2020 and didn’t have the greatest start to my GPA my freshman year. I found it challenging to learn virtually, and only being able to be in person with my teachers for less than half of the year was a challenge. But over my sophomore and junior years, I have greatly improved my grades and GPA.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

We, Shawn’s parents, believe his teammates would consider him a dominant force on the field, a player who can anticipate the other player’s moves and defend with strength, skill, and determination. He is an unselfish player and can still defend and get the job done. Shawn is quiet, but once you get to know him and get a chance to watch him play, you will see his passion and love of the game come through in his actions. He is a clean player and one you don’t want to go up against, as he will most likely win the ball. Shawn’s Coach, Coach Kesti from DCHS, had these words: Shawn’s sportsmanship and character greatly overshadow his athletic abilities, and his athleticism makes him a standout on the field. Whether experiencing success or facing adversity, his character is constant, strong, and grounded. Shawn is an outstanding representative for his team, always setting the example and keeping teammates in line if their character wavers. In addition to leading by example, Shawn motivates and encourages his teammates with a positive impact.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

Shawn decided to coach with the Town of Castle Rock Recreation Center Youth Athletics in the track program last summer. He really stepped out of his comfort zone and took a leader role in coaching these youth with the ins and outs of track. He found that he really enjoyed being able to share his love for the sport while building relationships with the kids and coaching them through the trainings and sharing the joy of their accomplishments at the track meets.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

My favorite player is Sergiño Dest, and my favorite team is Real Madrid.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

In my future, I hope to pursue kinesiology for sports medicine or sports management while hopefully continuing my soccer career throughout college

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

My parents inspire me because they are always there to help me as a person and as an athlete, and they have always been there for me since the start of my soccer career and have helped me grow to who I am today. They have always helped in the community and with my soccer teams with managing and organizing things for the team.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

Outside of CRYSC I like to run track, go skiing, and hangout with my friends and family.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

Outside of soccer, Jackson is a competitive alpine skier with the Winter Park Competition Center. Last year at the U12 Rocky Mountain Ski Championships, Jackson finished in the top 20 in Giant Slalom and the top 30 in Slalom versus athletes representing eight states. This year at Graland, Jackson has participated in the cross-country and basketball programs.

In February, Jackson will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Jackson to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!

What influence has soccer had in your life?

Soccer has given me a ton of great friends and friendships that give me tremendous joy. It has also given me something to look forward to working on or participating in every day. It also motivates me to become my best and helps me work through and overcome other challenges in my life.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

Because of my hard work and dedication, my positive attitude towards my coaches and teammates, and I show up every day with a coachable spirit and an attitude that is ready to learn. I also always try to be the hardest worker on the field and give it my all every day.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

I love the coaches’ dedication to the players – the coaches always show up with the best versions of themselves and work to help all the Rapids athletes become the best players they can be on and off the pitch. I also love my teammates and the fact that it is a positive organization that is accepting of everyone regardless of their background.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

Earning a spot on the 2011B EDS roster halfway through the season based on my hard work and dedication.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

I am most proud of receiving the Hidden Hero award at my school. The hidden hero award recognizes the student that exemplifies the school’s core vales and places the community above themselves.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

My teammates would describe me as hard working, unselfish, and supportive.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

While ski training this year, I was skiing toward the top of a training course with my team, and as we approached the start of the course, one of our teammates caught an edge and fell and hit her head. Her ski released and hit her in the face, and there was a lot of blood. I quickly rushed to her side to see if she was ok while many of my teammates skied off to go to the course. I ignored my training and immediately called one of the coaches to have them get ski patrol to help. I then stayed with her to ensure that she was alright, remained conscious and calm, and then made sure that ski patrol knew exactly what had happened before taking her down in the sled. The next morning I saw her and, unprompted by anyone, went over to see if my teammate was ok and how she was feeling.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester City

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

One day I hope to become a professional athlete.

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

Pelé. Because he was born into poverty and had many challenges growing up (including playing soccer with a grapefruit instead of a ball). His work ethic and determination lead him to become the greatest player in the world.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

I love to ski and am a competitive ski racer. I also really enjoy spending time in the mountains (hiking, camping, mountain biking, stand-up paddle-boarding, etc), golfing, and spending time with family and friends (usually outside).

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.