A special season for the Colorado Storm Women came to a close this July in the league National Finals. Congratulations to the Storm on an unbelievable year and the *27 CRYSC players, alumnae, and staff who helped bring home the 2024 Mountain Division and Western Conference titles, three playoff wins, and a league finals appearance.
Head Coach Sebastian Giraldo pushed the team every step of the way during their debut campaign, which ended with a 10-1-1 regular season and deep playoff run. Below, Coach Giraldo reflects on the year, recaps some of the key moments, and highlights what made this team so successful!
*Riley Baker, Emerson DeLuca, Hannah Gallegos, Lucy Garnsey, Alyssa Glover, Jadyn Goodrich, Andrea Iljkic, Marin Kotschau, Reagan Kotschau, Ava Laden, Samantha Maroni, Macee McKenna, Makayla Merlo, Lexi Meyer, Abriana Ruiz, Liesa Seifert, Amy Smith, Caley Swierenga, Adelyn Todd, Avery Vander Ven, Adeleine Walick, Addie Whitehouse, Head Coach Sebastian Giraldo, Coach Maryn Beutler, Coach Michael Balogun, Coach Jeff Oleck, Coach Joey Vella
2024 Reflection From Head Coach Sebastian Giraldo, of Rapids Youth Soccer
As the curtain falls on the 2024 season, I can’t help but reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for the Colorado Storm. Our inaugural season in the USL-W has been nothing short of spectacular, and I am thrilled to share the highlights of this unforgettable journey.
A Historic Debut
Our first year in the league was marked by remarkable success. From the outset, the team looked to be on a mission to conquer the Mountain Division and secure its first championship of 2024. The team was dominant in all moments of the game, leading the nation with a staggering goal difference of 52 in division play. The journey did not end there as the team continued to perform in the national playoffs, traveling to Sacramento and knocking off two undefeated divisional champions in California Storm and FC Olympia to be crowned Western Conference Champions. After a memorable national semifinal win away at Detroit City, we fell 2-3 in an epic national championship battle against the North Carolina Courage.
Individual Brilliance
Amidst the team’s collective triumphs, several Storm players picked up individual accolades. Lexi Meyer, Alyssa Glover, and Regan Kotschau were each honored with selections to the National Teams of the Month, underscoring their exceptional contributions throughout the season. Notably, Meyer’s outstanding performances also earned her a nomination for Young Player of the Year. Alyssa Glover and Reese McDermott were both ranked in the top 15 on the league scoring charts, and Addie Todd was in the top 5 in the least goals allowed. Meyer and Todd also received end-of-season recognition, with both being selected to the National Teams of the Year. All of the players mentioned here are current or former Rapids Youth Soccer players and made significant contributions to Storm’s success in 2024!
A Legacy of Excellence
This season is a continuation of a remarkable journey for the Storm women’s program. Over the past three years, our team has become a formidable force nationally in women’s soccer, securing seven championships and making two national championship game appearances. Our program’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident in our track record of developing elite athletes and facilitating their transition into full professional contracts. In the past three seasons, we’ve proudly seen 18 women earn full professional contracts, a testament to the strength and consistency of our development pipeline.
Thank You
As we celebrate this memorable season, I remain deeply grateful for the support of our fans, the dedication of the coaching staff, and the unwavering belief and commitment of our athletes. To the athletes – what an incredible journey together. When I took the helm of the program three years ago, I could not even have dreamed of the success and experiences we have had together. This is your success and your legacy, and I know you inspired so many with your talent, beautiful style, and GANAS. You inspired me every single day. This season has not only been a testament to our talent level and relentless determination but also to the strong foundation we have built over the years. Thank you for the opportunity to lead this program. It has been an honor and a privilege.
