To Our Rapids Youth Soccer Family,
As we close the chapter on another year, brimming with shared moments and the collective spirit of community, I want to express heartfelt gratitude to each member of our extended youth soccer family. Your unwavering dedication has been the lifeblood sustaining the heartbeat of youth soccer in Colorado. With every kick, cheer, and act of support, you've contributed to the growth and vibrancy of this beautiful sport, ensuring countless smiles and memories for the youth in our state for years to come.
Reflecting on this year, we've encountered numerous opportunities that have contributed to our organization's growth. New facilities, programs, and overall expansion have marked our journey. The opening of the largest mini-pitch project in the nation at Gates South and the introduction of ECRL and NPL to the Elite Player Pathway stand as milestones in our commitment to growth and improvement.
Our success, both on and off the field, has been evident across all levels and programs, from the flourishing of grassroots initiatives to the commendable achievements of our players and teams competing for national titles. Throughout 2023, a year I consider to be one of the most progressive in our organization’s history, I have consistently been humbled by the impact of youth soccer throughout the state of Colorado, resonating on national and international stages.
Looking ahead to 2024, our excitement is palpable. We eagerly anticipate the reinforcement of our efforts in various areas - development, pathway creation, enjoyment, education, and performance. It is with humility that I express my belief that Rapids Youth Soccer is home to some of the finest staff and coaches, not just in the state but in the nation. In the upcoming year, our aim is to consistently elevate this "best in class" mentality to new heights and build upon our desire to become a destination youth soccer club.
A brand new year starts tomorrow, so let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude that has defined 2023. Your presence and commitment make youth soccer in Colorado more than just a game - you make it a thriving and enriching experience for all involved.
Thank you for being the driving force behind the success of Rapids Youth Soccer. May the new year bring continued joy, growth, and shared victories for us all.
With sincere appreciation,
Aaron Nagel, CRYSC Executive Director
CRYSC opens the largest mini-pitch complex in the United States!
In 2023, we were thrilled to unveil four new mini-pitches available to our membership! This state-of-the-art addition to the Gates Soccer Complex was two years in the making and will revolutionize our soccer practices over the coming years, offering an ideal training ground for players of all skill levels. Click here to read our full announcement of the brand new Rapids mini-pitch complex from this August.
“Stepping onto the nation’s largest mini-pitch complex is an experience that transcends the ordinary. It’s not just a collection of pitches; it’s a testament to our commitment to fostering a new era of play, camaraderie, and shared passion. This complex is more than a destination; it’s the embodiment of our vision to inspire the next generation of athletes, uniting them in the joy of the beautiful game.” - Aaron Nagel, CRYSC Executive Director
New threads for the new generation | 2023-25 CRYSC kit reveal!
This summer season, we introduced the 2023-2025 kit series for CRYSC competitive and elite teams, featuring versatile mix-and-match gear for home and away games, and a bright new look for goalkeepers! Click here or the thumbnail above to view the kit release video.
CRYSC launch ECRL and NPL programs in 2023!
In 2023, we were delighted to announce two new developments in our elite player pathway with the introduction of the Rapids ECRL (Elite Club Regional League) and Rapids NPL (National Premier League) programs for boys and girls! In years past, there has been a gap across our regions and age groups in terms of the accessibility of elite-level opportunities. The ECRL and NPL programs launched this fall have bridged that gap and continue to create amazing experiences from Castle Rock to Fort Collins daily.
THANK YOU to the players and coaches who have helped the programs grow in 2023, and we can't wait for more ECRL and NPL action in 2024!
The Colorado Rapids Women have once again asserted their dominance in the pre-professional soccer scene, building on the historic momentum of their 2022 campaign! 2023 was nothing short of spectacular for our team with another unbeaten regular season, two more titles across our league and conference, and some incredible performances to further establish Rapids Women as a name to be feared in the WPSL.
From the regular to the post season and everything in between, it has been a year to remember for our Rapids. A special thank you to the fans who have been there every step of the way this season - your support means everything!
Click the dropdown below to read a full recap of our Rapids Women's 2023 season! Click here to look back at the Rapids Women's run to the WPSL National Finals in 2022.
Click here to read the full recap of our Rapids Women's extraordinary 2023 season!
In 2023, the Rapids Women kicked off their journey with a #2 ranking in the WPSL National Power Rankings, only to quickly seize the coveted #1 spot and hold on for the entirety of the regular season.
The Rapids' relentless attack and fluid style of play resulted in a flawless regular season, with a 10-0-0 record. The team solidified their position at the top of the WPSL power rankings by again claiming the Rockies Division Championship and cruising to a third straight Mountain Conference Championship with a 5-1 victory over the Avalanche, handing the Utah club their only loss of the season for the second year in a row.
The Colorado Rapids Women's 2023 season came to an emotional close after a hard-fought battle in the Central Region Championship. The team faced Salvo FC in a gripping match that ultimately ended in a heartbreaking loss, just one game shy of a repeat appearance in the WPSL National Championships.
The final record of 12-1 stands as a testament to the team's consistent excellence on the field throughout the year and solidified their position as the winningest WPSL club of the last two years, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about the caliber of talent and commitment within the organization.
After a historic run, the team has claimed a well-deserved spotlight in the postseason awards. The Rapids orchestrated a clean sweep of the Mountain Conference MVP awards, showcasing the depth and talent within the squad. Congratulations to all of our players and staff on winning the Mountain Conference Franchise of the Year award, as well as Alyssa Glover, Hannah Gallegos, and Adi Walick on their individual awards for some outstanding displays of talent this season. Click the dropdown below to read more about the team's and players' achievements in 2023!
Click here to read a recap of the awards and honors our Rapids Women's team received in 2023!
In 2023, the Rapids Women were awarded the prestigious title of Mountain Conference Franchise of the Year! Throughout the season, the team continued to assert itself as a national powerhouse, sending several athletes to the NWSL and other women's professional leagues across the world. We're honored to receive this award and now set our sights on claiming the national franchise award in 2024.
Hailing from the University of Wyoming, Alyssa Glover claimed the Offensive MVP title, while the Defensive MVP honor was bestowed upon Hannah Gallegos from the University of Denver. This dynamic duo's contributions were pivotal to the team's success throughout the season. Glover's outstanding performances also earned her recognition as the WPSL National Player of the Week.
Joining forces with Gallegos and Sophia Nguyen, Glover secured her place on the Central Region Best IX, highlighting the Rapids' formidable presence in the region. Adi Walick, a rising star from the Rapids ECNL system, showcased immense promise and talent, earning a spot on the Mountain Conference Best IX. This recognition speaks to the Rapids' commitment to nurturing and developing top-tier talent within their system.
Congratulations to all of our athletes who were recognized in 2023! The 2024 season is right around the corner, and we can't wait to bring another summer of exciting soccer to the Rockies.
Colorado Rapids Women is the official WPSL team, owned and operated by Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. Click here to visit the CRYSC WPSL webpage or on one of the icons below to visit the Rapids Women Twitter or Instagram page.
An ECNL national semi-final and player accolades in 2023! #CRYSCGirlsECNL #CRYSCBoysECNL
This July, the Rapids 06G ECNL team wrapped up a memorable year of soccer that saw our girls establish themselves as one of the best teams in the nation for the third year in a row, battling through the ECNL National Playoffs and Finals. The Rapids 06’s playoff run ended in the semi-finals in defeat to Solar FC. We are extremely proud of the team’s efforts this summer and throughout the whole year! Catch up on the 06 girls' finals run in this blog post recapping their summer!
24 ECNL players were awarded end-of-season honors for the 2022/23 season, including a 17U ECNL All-American award for Lexi Meyer (06G ECNL) - check them out below!
Click here to view our Rapids girls players who received 2023 NW conference awards!
- Amy Smith - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Lexi Meyer - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Brooklyn Smith - 15U ECNL - First Team
- Ella Moody - 19U ECNL - First Team
- Jace Holley - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Marin Kotschau - 15U ECNL - First Team
- Ava Amsden - 17U ECNL - Second Team
- Camdyn Hurt - 15U ECNL - Second Team
- Ivy Sobel - 16U ECNL - Second Team
- Andrea Iljkic - 19U ECNL - Second Team
Click here to view our Rapids boys players who received 2023 end-of-season awards!
- Coby Short - 15U ECNL - First Team
- Michael Giwa - 15U ECNL - First Team
- Itzamna Cendejas - 15U ECNL - Second Team
- RJ Heckler - 16U ECNL - First Team
- Joshua Perez - 16U ECNL - First Team
- Joziah Garron - 16U ECNL - First Team
- Asher Christus - 16U ECNL - Second Team
- Alexis Salas - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Theo Scott - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Zander Kosmas - 17U ECNL - Second Team
- Ezekiel Lubin - 19U ECNL - First Team
- Charles Scott - 19U ECNL - First Team
- Pedro Peres - 19U ECNL - First Team
- Landon Nates - 19U ECNL - Second Team
2023 ECNL National Selection Game selections!
Congratulations to Ava Amsden (06G ECNL), Teagan Myers (07G ECNL), Clayton Thomas (06B ECNL), Theo Scott (05/06B ECNL), and Asher Christus (07B ECNL), who participated in an ECNL National Selection Game this season!
A message from CRYSC's Elite Director of Futsal, Rommy Ferreira:
CRYSC Futsal in 2023 was a year defined by growth and the outstanding achievements of our players and coaches. This year, our futsal program solidified itself and the state of Colorado as a hub for the best talent and opportunities in the region. I am proud to say that we are doing so much more than just staying competitive - we are creating competition around us to elevate the sport of futsal. Our goal is to be a national reference for what a great futsal club looks like, and with our talent and resources, we have made tremendous strides forward in 2023.
Tournament victories, more players in our program than ever, participating in new travel events, and hosting our very own futsal regional showcase this December are signs that we are on the right path. Just like the game of futsal itself - we have moved fast since launching our program in 2022 to become the top futsal destination in the state.
I can't wait to see how we grow in the next year and invite every CRYSC member to look into our program and see if futsal is the right format to take your player's game to the next level. We have built this program on developing skills and having fun. To learn more about our program and keep up with everything Rapids Futsal, check out our website or follow us on X/Twitter and Instagram.
Congratulations to our futsal teams that placed in the top 3 at the United Futsal National and World Championships in Orlando this July! All 20 teams that attended did a tremendous job representing Rapids on the biggest youth futsal stage of the year.
- Rapids 08/09B - Silver Division Champions (National) - Gold
- Rapids 11B Minas - Silver Division Finalists - Silver
- Rapids 12/13G Rio 1 - Bronze Division Finalists - Silver
- Rapids 08/09B - Gold Division (World) - Bronze
- Rapids 10/11G Rio - Gold Division - Bronze
- Rapids 14/15B Rio - Silver Division - Bronze
Keep up with CRYSC Futsal awards and honors through the social links below!
CHSAA champions and honors for CRYSC players in 2023!
Congratulations to the CRYSC players who won their 2023 High School Soccer State Championship! CRYSC players at Broomfield HS (Boys 5A), ThunderRidge HS (Girls 5A), and Jefferson Academy (Girls 3A) lifted the trophy at their schools on the biggest stage this year.
40+ players from these schools were also recognized by the CHSAA with All-State honors, with Marcus Von (Broomfield HS | Rapids 05/06B ECNL) being awarded Player of the Year in his division!
Click here to view our Rapids boys players selected for 2023 CHSAA All-State honors!
- Elija Smith - 5A First Team
- Cole Wearner - 5A First Team
- Theo Scott - 5A First Team
- Lucas Montera - 5A First Team
- Joseph Bennett - 5A First Team
- Marcus Von - PLAYER OF THE YEAR - 5A First Team
- Josh Perez - 5A Second Team
- Marcelo Ruiz - 5A Second Team
- Clayton Thomas - 5A Second Team
- Caleb Graham - 5A Second Team
- Miguel Vasquez - 5A Honorable Mention
- Paxton O'Leary - 5A Honorable Mention
- Jack Ogren - 5A Honorable Mention
- Asher Christus - 5A Honorable Mention
- Stefan Zehnacker - 5A Honorable Mention
- Ladd Hubka - 5A Honorable Mention
- Charles Sharp - 5A Honorable Mention
- Ryan Stewart - 5A Honorable Mention
- Rashed Jahan - 5A Honorable Mention
- Tate Bliss - 4A First Team
- Zander Kosmas - 4A Second Team
- Jordan Lohr - 4A Honorable Mention
- Noah Arter - 3A First Team
- Foster Hayes - 3A Second Team
- Jose Barrios - 3A Honorable Mention
Click here to view our Rapids girls players selected for 2023 CHSAA All-State honors!
- Ava Amsden - 5A First Team
- Jace Holley - 5A First Team
- Claire Silverman - 5A First Team
- Alexis Meyer - 5A Second Team
- Sydney Nelms - 5A Second Team
- Amy Smith - 5A Second Team
- Alyson Cambell - 5A Honorable Mention
- Emerson DeLuca - 5A Honorable Mention
- Andi Hyatt - 5A Honorable Mention
- Camdyn Hurt - 5A Honorable Mention
- Janessa Mendoza - 5A Honorable Mention
- Hannah Murphy - 5A Honorable Mention
- Grace Rossner - 5A Honorable Mention
- Ivy Sobel - 5A Honorable Mention
- Martin Stamper - 5A Honorable Mention
- Francesca Terrasi - 5A Honorable Mention
- Ella Wilcox - 5A Honorable Mention
- Nadia Bochynski - 4A First Team
- Brooklyn Bussey - 4A First Team
- Ella Moody - 4A First Team
- Abiah Randel - 4A Second Team
- Julia Arcaroli - 4A Honorable Mention
- Paolo Arredondo - 4A Honorable Mention
- Bissette Bussey - 4A Honorable Mention
- Emily Hinson - 4A Honorable Mention
- Victoria Sablad - 4A Honorable Mention
- Sofia Scaturro - 4A Honorable Mention
- Emilina Schmidt - 4A Honorable Mention
- Tiffany Yie - 4A Honorable Mention
- Emily Gesick - 3A First Team
- Kayah Robbins - 3A Second Team
- Yahaira Enriquez - 3A Honorable Mention
- Shaye Grote - 3A Honorable Mention
- Lyla Hinchey - 3A Honorable Mention
- Melanie Bale - 2A First Team
- Sydney Fitzgerald - 2A First Team
- Ellie Reynolds - 2A First Team
- Ginny Shade - 2A Second Team
- Emma Budimlya - 2A Honorable Mention
- Abby Downey - 2A Honorable Mention
- Hailey Hubbart - 2A Honorable Mention
CRYSC call-ups for international soccer, US Talent ID Centers, and ODP in 2023!
Congratulations to Brooklyn Smith (08G ECNL) on being called up to U-16 US Soccer Women's Youth National Team Training Camp!
Congratulations to Betzael Contreras (05/06G South ECNL-RL) on her first call-up to the Guatemala Senior National Team!
Congratulations to Miguel Alvarado (Rapids Academy and CRYSC graduate) on being selected to the US Soccer Youth National Team U-15 Domestic Camp!
Congratulations to Darren Yapi (Colorado Rapids and CRYSC graduate) on being selected to the U-20 US Soccer Men's US Soccer Youth National Team Camp.
Congratulations to all of our CRYSC athletes who were selected to attend a US Soccer Talent ID Event this year: Brooklyn Smith (08G ECNL), Emerson Carranza (09G ECNL), Kiri Fogarty-Sears (09G ECNL), Marin Kotschau (09G ECNL), Lauren Sabus (09G ECNL), Lucia Aspiazu (10G ECNL), Abigail Bradshaw (10G ECNL), Brooklyn Hiatt (10G ECNL), Olivia Rice (10G ECNL), Kyla Tucker (10G ECNL), and Connor Jachimiak (09B ECNL).
Congratulations to Brooklyn Smith (08G ECNL) and Kiri Fogarty-Sears (09G ECNL) on being selected for the US Youth Soccer ODP Girls National Select Team roster!
CRYSC players selected for All-America high school honors in 2023!
Congratulations to Marcus Von (Broomfield HS and 05/06B ECNL) and Theo Scott (East and 05/06B ECNL) on being selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-America High School Boys Team for the 2023 fall season!
CRYSC coaches selected for the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Program and Mentorship awards in fall 2023!
We are excited to congratulate FOUR CRYSC coaches on receiving United Soccer Coaches' 30 under 30 honors this fall season, which is the most from a single youth club in the nation! Developing remarkable coaches and staff members is a key part of our mission, and we couldn't be more proud of Miguel Rodrigues for his recognition as a 30 Under 30 Mentor and Daniel Agnew, Lexi Rudolph, and Etzael Gonzalez for their recognition as 30 Under 30 Coaches. These coaches have consistently shown excellence as educators and mentors, which has directly contributed to a memorable CRYSC experience for so many players and families. We're ecstatic that they represent our organization and help elevate Colorado soccer on the national stage.
Click here to view the awards and selections from our 30 Under 30 coaches!
- Miguel Rodrigues - South Technical Director - Mentorship Selection
- Lexi Rudolph - Central Director of Camps & Community Outreach and Futsal Director of Goalkeeping - Program Award
- Etzael Gonzalez - Central Boys Competitive Director of Coaching - Program Award
- Daniel Agnew - Boys Elite Director - Program Award
From Recreational to Elite, Select to Soccer Start, Fort Collins to Castle Rock, and everything between - CONGRATULATIONS to our Rapids teams on their achievements in 2023!
Success can be found at every level of Rapids Youth Soccer, and we are immensely proud of what our players have accomplished here in Colorado or while representing our club at events across the US. You can share these special moments with us anytime by emailing [email protected] with pictures and context - like the team name, event name, results, a story, etc... We can't wait to feature more Rapids excellence on our Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter in 2024!
"On behalf of the entire Rapids community, we would like to congratulate our Class of 2023 and early 2024 signings for officially taking the next step in their academic and athletic careers. We are extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment that they have shown on the field and in the classroom. As a Club, we pride ourselves on providing a pathway for committed players within all of our programs to play at the next level. It is a credit to everyone connected with Rapids Youth Soccer that these commitments come from all regions and levels at the Club. We wish these players the best of luck and look forward to celebrating the rest of the Class of 2024 commitments as they are made throughout the spring season!" - Anthony Presnell, CRYSC College Placement Program Director
Meet the CRYSC Class of 2023 & Class of 2024 (early):
Click here to see the Class of 2023 player signing photos!
CRYSC Class of 2023 College Commitments Not Pictured:
- Alexandra Greigo | Northeastern Junior College
- Cameron Daly | Kalamazoo College
- Charlie Scott | Colby College
- Colin Star | Johnson and Wales University (Charlotte)
- Dora Pervan | American International University
- Garrett Jordan | Husson University
- Giovanny Cordero | Northeastern Junior College
- Hojin Lee | Regis University
- Kadee Rodriguez | Northeastern Junior College
- Keanu Likewise | Army
- Kayla Knapke | Central Community College
- Mia Lombardi | Ursiline College
- Rylee Buessing | Dominican University
Click here to see the Class of 2024 player signing photos! (with more to come next year)
CRYSC Class of 2024 Early College Commitments (Announcement With Pictures Coming in 2024!):
- Aliza Rodriguez | Illinois College
- Emma Hill | Miami University (Ohio)
- Ginny Shade | Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Jordan Lohr | University of Colorado CO Springs
- Kaylee Park | University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy
- Mason Morton | Saddleback College
The CRYSC College Placement Program (CPP) is your Rapids resource for navigating the college selection process. If you have questions about CRYSC college soccer, please contact Anthony Presnell or visit the College Soccer page on the CRYSC website. For college recruitment tips, guides, and more, check out blog articles published by Anthony on our College Soccer News page.
A message from CRYSC Technical Director, Donald Gillies:
2023 has been another excellent year for Rapids Youth Soccer as we continue to work towards our goal of being a home for Developing Remarkable Coaches. It is a fundamental part of our mission to improve the experience for our players by nurturing the talent and expertise of our coaching staff.
Providing resources both in-person and online is a necessary objective of the club as we look to maximize access to the library of opportunities we’ve collated. Throughout the year, we continue to deliver regional and club-wide education, as well as ensure our Directors have the means to further their own growth in the sport. By doing this, we feel better equipped to aid player development and be innovative in the process.
As we move towards 2024, we continue to be committed to the strategy we believe makes a difference in the lives of the young players we serve. Developments planned include the internal launch of a Learning Management System (LMS) aimed at improving further access to online educational material that will eventually serve Directors, coaches, players, and parents alike.
We will continue to provide local in-person opportunities via our Directors and Regional Technical Directors and seek out diverse and rewarding industry experts. Finally, all of these opportunities will be represented in the 2024 Education Calendar due for publication in the New Year.
Click here to check out highlights from CRYSC Education in 2023!
- Staff Wide In-Service (Jan 2023): Annually, we bring together all the technical staff to discuss player development, with this year's event taking place at Regis University. We looked deeply into the role our Directors hold as "Educators of Coaches", the teaching methods we use to execute this, and had demonstrations on trends and content from Colorado Academy Director, Chris Cartlidge.
- Scouting and Analysis (June 2023): This year has been the first time we have been able to support both the boys and girls ECNL Playoff teams by sending staff to conduct match analysis reports on their opposition in the competition. We use these games as the platform to share expertise on the analysis process, and presentation techniques with coaches and players. The boys program was supported by 6 staff in North Carolina, where the girls were provided with 6 staff in San Diego.
- Scottish FA and UEFA C-License (December 2023): For the second time, we have partnered with the Scottish FA to provide an education opportunity in Edinburgh, Scotland, as we expand our staff’s understanding of different methods and philosophies in European soccer. We have sent 6 Directors to the event in December as they work towards that prestigious UEFA pathway and qualification.
- Guest Education: We want to be innovative and open-minded in the Education process, and ensuring we seek understanding from others outside our immediate sphere of influence has been a valuable resource. Sharing the content and topics with those unable to attend is always a goal where possible, and via our communications partner, BCC Live, we have been able to create digital resources online as a result. This year we welcomed some excellent practitioners to the club:
- Greig Robertson - MLS Academy Director, Boston Bolts
- Chris Little - Colorado Rapids First Team Head Coach
- Chris Sharpe - Colorado Rapids First Team and Goalkeeping Coach
- Mark Wilson - COPA Director
- Zac Crawford - US Soccer Director
In 2021, UCHealth and CRYSC teamed up to highlight the amazing individuals at the Club with a new "UCHealth Player of the Month" award! This award was created to put a spotlight on players that have shown athletic excellence, academic achievement, or exemplary character out on the fields or in their community.
Monthly winners have been featured on the CRYSC blog page and in a recurring section of the Club newsletter. Thank you to everyone who nominated a player in 2023 and congratulations to our winners. You can find a recap of our UCHealth Player of the Month awards below, as well as our final winner for December 2023 - Hadley Whitworth. Look forward to more UCHealth Player of the Month content in 2024 and click here to nominate a player for this January!
Congratulations to Hadley Whitworth on winning the December 2023 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Congratulations to Hadley Whitworth on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for December 2023!
Hadley plays as an winger/striker for our Rapids 12G Fort Collins Select team, where her teammates and coaches know her as having a tenacious spirit and desire for success. She sets her goals and then works hard to achieve them. This fall, Hadley made quite the impression on the field, scoring 9 goals and 6 assists, finishing her season as the top goalscorer and as the assist leader on her team. She is also a 2-sport athlete, competing at a high level in basketball. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Click here to catch up on our UCHealth Player of the Month winners in 2023!
Congratulations to Jackson Tankersley on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for January 2023!
Jackson plays midfielder for our Rapids 11B Central Select I team. Teammates and coaches know him as one of the hardest-working players in the region, an open-minded learner, and an athlete with a strong desire to improve his game. Through coaching evaluations and reflections, Jackson has stood out as an athlete who continually grows in his passion for the game and his abilities on the field. Most recently, Jackson has worked his way into the EDS pool, training five times weekly and playing most weekends against top-level competition. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Shawn Woodall on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for February 2023!
Shawn plays outside back for our Rapids 06B South Select team, where his teammates and coaches know him as a defender that demonstrates quality, consistency, and leadership. In January 2023, Shawn participated in a #CRYSCInternational trip to Germany. On the trip and on the field, Shawn was regularly one of the best-performing players and a leader in the dressing room. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Elly Bowers on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for March 2023!
Elly is a goalkeeper for our Rapids 09G South Select I team, where her teammates and coaches know her to be fearless and determined in front of the goal. In February, at the FC Spring Cup in New Mexico, Elly had three shutouts in four games, leading her team to a tournament victory. In addition, Elly is a member of our CRYSC Elite Futsal program. She was selected as team captain at the Las Vegas Showcase and was recently selected to attend the Oklahoma City National Training Camp in June 2023. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Emma Shiffer on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for April 2023!
Emma is a goalkeeper for our Rapids 11G South Select team, where her teammates and coaches know her to be a team player with a fantastic work ethic. Over the past year, Emma has moved up from the 11G Burgundy team to the Select team, where she has been excelling in goal. In addition, Emma was recently selected to attend the United Futsal National Training Camp in Oklahoma City in June 2023. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Quinn Erickson on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for May 2023!
Quinn is a left-back and center midfielder for our Rapids 10B North Burgundy team, where his teammates and coaches know him to be a humble leader with a drive to make others around him better. In the past three years, Quinn has had three different coaches and maintained his vital role in the team, often being selected as captain. In addition, Quinn is a double-sport athlete, playing at the highest level of competitive basketball for his age group. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Willa Maxwell on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for June 2023!
Willa is an outside back for our Rapids P2/Burgundy 1 North team, where her teammates and coaches know her to be resilient and determined to improve. In addition to team practices, Willa spends much of her time training outside of scheduled practices. Willa regularly attends Coerver camps and has been invited to multiple invitational training sessions, winning accolades like “Most Moves” and “Most Diverse Player”. Alongside soccer, Willa has shown herself to be a talented equestrian, winning ribbons in the equitation and hunter classes at hunter/jumper shows. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Sophia Harkless on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for July 2023!
Sophia plays goalkeeper for our Rapids 13G Fort Collins Select II and Select I teams, where her positive attitude and extremely kind nature are seen every day. Her teammates and coaches say she’s quick to give a compliment and words of encouragement to those who need it. As a player, Sophia won Player of the Week for both of her teams in March 2023. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Clayton Thomas on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for August 2023!
Clayton plays left midfield / forward for our Rapids 06B ECNL team, where his teammates and coaches know him as a hard worker and role model for aspiring young leaders. Clayton was a good friend of Luis Garcia, an East High School student who was tragically killed in early 2023 due to gun violence. Clayton and a number of his teammates have called for action to end gun violence by using their voices online, creating t-shirts, and wearing those shirts while warming up for a game this spring. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Mollie Skibinski on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for September 2023!
Mollie plays left wing/left fullback for our Rapids 08G Central Select team, where her teammates and coaches know her as an ultra-determined team player. On the field, Mollie gives everything she has and, from the perspective of anyone watching, plays every minute like it’s her last. Off the field, Mollie is taking sports medicine classes and wants to be a Sports Psychologist and Athletic Trainer so she can support athletes in both their physical and mental journeys. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Summer Snider on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for October 2023!
Summer plays as an outside midfielder for our Rapids 05G Fort Collins White team, where her teammates and coaches know her as a leader who has a never-quit attitude. On the field, Summer has a high soccer IQ, sharing her knowledge with her teammates while actively encouraging them to push their limits and seek improvement. During the 2023 Rapids Classic Tournament, Summer sustained a shoulder injury that kept her sidelined in the 3rd of 4 games in their bracket. Despite this, Summer rallied her team back in the last game of the tournament, ultimately winning their division. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Isabella Manning on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for November 2023!
Isabella plays as a goalkeeper for our Rapids 09G Castle Rock Burgundy team, where her teammates and coaches know her to be a relentless advocate for self-improvement and commitment on the pitch. She dedicates much of her life to soccer and strengthens her game at regular practice and goalie practice (often on the same night!). This summer, she attended multiple goalie camps, as well as her school’s morning and afternoon practice sessions to effectively prepare for the upcoming season. Isabella shows a true love for soccer, and she is determined to reach a higher level of play. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
“UCHealth is proud to partner with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club and to help care for the club’s athletes. We’ll be available to help care for any injuries that might occur, but our most important mission is to work with the Club’s coaches and administration, providing the most advanced resources to athletes and their families to help prevent injuries from happening in the first place.” – Dr. Scott Laker, UCHealth and CU Sports Medicine Specialist. Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
Check out these awesome videos from our 2023 Rapids Classic and RMFC tournaments!
CRYSC members can look forward to more pro-level videos highlighting all of our major events in 2024. Stay tuned for the Winter Showcase video, debuting soon!
A message from CRYSC's Director of International Partnerships, Jeff Oleck:
The first full year of our CRYSC International program provided nearly 350 CRYSC players, families, and coaches the opportunity to immerse themselves in the 'beautiful game" in truly captivating and unique settings! Walking the historic grounds of Old Trafford in England, participating in training sessions led by world-renowned coaches at RCD Espanyol, and matching up against challenging German competition have all provided an incredible platform for holistic personal growth while fostering a deeper love for participation in soccer.
I want to thank the CRYSC membership for their support, engagement, and trust in our organization as we rolled out this one-of-a-kind international program in 2023. I am eager and excited to continue building life-long memories with the over 200 CRYSC members who are currently registered for our 2024 trips!
Catch up on news from the CRYSC International program by visiting the CRYSC International page and check out some of the recent stats and feedback from our international travelers below!
- “This was one of the best trips we have ever done, and we will remember it for the rest of our lives. To experience soccer in another culture and explore new cities was an incredible adventure.” - Participating Player - Germany Tour, 2023
- “Amazing soccer experience for our players. Will never forget it.” - Participating Parent - England Tour, 2023
- “I believe international experiences like this open the eyes of the players to a world outside their comfort zone. It will certainly develop them as soccer players, but more importantly, it will develop them as people.” - Participating CRYSC Staff Coach - Spain Tour, 2023
A special congratulations to CRYSC's Director of Mental Performance Katie Pagel (pictured left), on her international recognition as Early Career Applied Practitioner of the Year by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology!
In our ongoing effort to create safe soccer environments within which our kiddos can learn, compete, and thrive, CRYSC Sport Psych expanded its provision of mental performance and mental wellness resources to every key stakeholder in 2023! Whatever your role - athlete, caregiver, or coach - CRYSC Sport Psych worked to create practical resources with you in mind. While the department's work was wide-reaching, CRYSC Sport Psych directed its efforts toward a few main areas in 2023:
- Providing Direct Athlete Support: With the help of the University of Denver CPEX program, CRYSC Sport Psych provided mental performance support to 500+ summer camp athletes of all levels and ages, delivered consistent mental skills training to 500+ athletes in the CRYSC Elite program, and managed 100% of requests for individualized mental health/mental performance. Katie also launched CRYSC's first-ever Athlete Injury Support Group, aimed at building community across athletes managing injuries and equipping them with mental skills pertinent to a safe and positive return to play.
- Building Safe Soccer Environments: Keeping athletes safe remained a top priority of CRYSC Sport Psych in 2023. Featured as a voice in the Colorado Rapids New Day Campaign, Katie also penned blogs on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, connection, and psychological safety for our staff and members. CRYSC staff and coaches also benefited from unique education opportunities, including regional coach QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings and youth grief education courtesy of our amazing friends at Judi's House.
- Supporting All Members: In addition to contributing to in-person parent and coach events, CRYSC Sport Psych created numerous virtual resources for these groups throughout the year. Whether it be through quick Mental Minute Videos tailored to coaches and caregivers, or longer-form blogs on key mental skills like motivation, confidence, resilience, and reflection, Katie worked to arm every subset of our membership with the knowledge and techniques necessary to support our athletes' on-field enjoyment, development, and performance.
Learn more about the department and check out additional resources by visiting the CRYSC Sport Psych webpage!
A message from CRYSC's Head Athletic Trainer, Julie Graves:
I hope every CRYSC member had a wonderful year and a happy Holiday season! Reflecting on this year has been wonderful, many athletes were helped in-clinic and on the field, including injury prevention measures, at-home rehab, and referrals to our amazing Orthopedic specialists through our partnership with UCHealth/CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
As a reminder going into the new year, I am a text, email, or phone call away for any of your sports medicine needs. Evaluations are free for our members, and insurance is only involved if a referral is placed to a UCHealth facility. I work with an amazing physician liaison team that gives our members a 'VIP' experience, including checking insurance and all 'back end' verifications, getting into an orthopedic specialist within 24-48 hours, and referrals to formal physical therapy if needed. Our partnership has been growing over the last 5 and a half years, and it continues to be an honor to serve our athletes and their families. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024!
Find out more about the CRYSC Sports Medicine Program by visiting our website! For questions or concerns related to sports medicine, please reach out to the CRYSC Head Athletic Trainer, Julie Graves. For sports medicine tips, guides, and more, check out the 2023 blog articles published by Julie: Osgood Schlatter Rehab Program, HitCheck: Cognitive Assessment Aid, ACL Injury Prevention Warm-Up Programs, Return to Play After Injury, Groin Rehab Program, and Patellafemoral Pain Syndrome Rehab.
Follow all of our coverage throughout the year by clicking here to sign up for the CRYSC Newsletter!
Our monthly newsletter is where you can find brand-new blogs, success stories on and off the field, our latest Player of the Month, partnership announcements, education opportunities, and SO MUCH MORE! Catch up on all of our newsletters from last January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
2023 was an exciting year of growth and new opportunities for Rapids Youth Soccer. We can't thank you enough for the role you've played in shaping this Club, and eagerly await kicking off a new season of tournaments and league play together this spring!