Dear Rapids Youth Soccer Family,
As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrate an extraordinary year of growth, achievements, and community. Thank you for being an essential part of the Rapids family and contributing to the club’s success this year.
To Our Players: To our 12,000 players across Colorado—you are the heartbeat of Rapids Youth Soccer and the game of soccer in Colorado. Your passion, dedication, and commitment to learning and sportsmanship inspire us daily. This year, your talents shone brightly on and off the field, from local leagues to national competitions and even on international stages.
You've proven that soccer is more than a game—it's a platform for personal growth, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. Thank you for representing our club with pride and embodying the values that make Rapids Youth Soccer special. In 2025, we’ll be adding more opportunities for your enjoyment, experience, and development with our organization while aiming to provide the most robust opportunities for players in Colorado.
To Our Parents: We are immensely grateful to the parents who tirelessly support their players—driving to practices, cheering at games, and fostering a positive environment. Your encouragement plays a crucial role in shaping skilled, confident, and resilient young players. Your involvement in our growing programs and community lays the groundwork for the coaches who guide and mentor our players. In 2025, we aim to enrich your child's opportunities while streamlining customer service, organization, and communication to better support their journey.
To Our Coaches: Our coaches are the heart of Rapids Youth Soccer. The coach is the club, and through your guidance and mentorship, players develop both on-field skills and off-field life lessons that extend far beyond the field and their time with you. This year, we witnessed significant strides in player development across all levels, from our grassroots programs to the exciting additions of new National League platforms. Thank you for your dedication to nurturing each player's growth. In 2025, we’ll continue to invest in your education, opportunities for continued development, top-quality gear and equipment, and, most importantly, will be available to guide and support your coaching journey.
To Our Referees: You are an essential part of the game, ensuring fair play and teaching players valuable lessons about sportsmanship and respect. We deeply appreciate your dedication and your vital role in creating a positive and safe environment for our players. In 2025, we will seek innovative ways to support your efforts and celebrate the invaluable role you play in shaping the game's future.
To Our Partners: We're fortunate to have incredible partners who support our vision and mission. This year, collaborations with organizations like UCHealth, Adidas, Soccer.com, and others have been instrumental in expanding our programs and enhancing player experiences. Your support drives the club's success and helps us realize the mission. We remain focused on elevating the reach and brand of Rapids Youth Soccer, continuing to make Rapids the destination for soccer in Colorado.
To Our Staff: Behind the scenes, our dedicated staff works tirelessly to ensure the success of our programs, tournaments, and events. From managing extensive communications to adapting to Colorado’s unpredictable weather, you demonstrate steadfast dedication to ensuring everyone is supported. Thank you for your hard work, perseverance, and tireless efforts in supporting the youth of Colorado and advancing our mission.
Building Momentum into 2025: As we reflect on this year's achievements and the people who made them possible, we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2025. We promise to expand programs, drive innovation in player and coach development, and enhance experiences for all members, all while strengthening our community and passion for the game.
Thank you for making 2024 an unforgettable year. Let's carry this momentum into 2025 and make it our best year yet!
With gratitude and excitement,
Aaron Nagel, CRYSC Executive Director
Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC Instagram page!
Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC Facebook page!
Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC X/Twitter page!
Click the thumbnails below to watch videos from across the club!
The Colorado Storm Women's team had an unforgettable season, with 27* CRYSC athletes, alumnae, and staff playing a pivotal role in securing the 2024 Mountain Division and Western Conference titles in the USL-W. Their incredible season also included three playoff victories and a thrilling appearance in the league finals!
"This season is a continuation of a remarkable journey for the Colorado Storm. Over the past three years, the team has become a formidable force nationally in women’s soccer, securing seven championships and making two national championship game appearances. Storm’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident in our track record of developing elite youth 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." - Sebastian Giraldo, Colorado Storm Women 2024 Head Coach
"In a remarkable season debuting in a new league, the team posted an impressive 13-2-1 record, winning the Mountain Conference and advancing to the National Finals. This achievement highlights the skill and determination of the players and staff as they quickly made their mark in the league. We are eager to build on this success as the team looks ahead to its second season, with the goal of even greater accomplishments." - Danny Bills, CRYSC Chief of Soccer Operations
*Click here to view the 27 CRYSC athletes, alumnae, and staff who helped bring home the 2024 Mountain Division and Western Conference titles!
- 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
Click here to view 2024 Storm individual/team awards and accolades!
Amidst the team’s collective triumphs, several Storm players picked up individual accolades. Lexi Meyer, Alyssa Glover, and Regan Kotschau were each honored with National Teams of the Month selections, underscoring their exceptional contributions throughout the season. Meyer’s outstanding performances earned her a nomination for Young Player of the Year. Alyssa Glover and Reese McDermott 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, being selected to the National Teams of the Year.
A note on Elite programming in 2024 from CRYSC Chief of Soccer Operations, Danny Bills:
The 2024 season has been a year of significant transformation and growth for our club. Across all regions, we have made key additions and upgrades to our Tier I, II, and III programs, ensuring that we are not only enhancing the quality of play but also providing our players with the best opportunities for development at every level.
This year, we have expanded our offerings with exciting new programs and league affiliations, further solidifying our commitment to player development and success at every stage of the player pathway. While we’ve made exciting changes and additions, our focus remains on supporting the player pathway across the club—from the youngest players in rec to those striving for professional or collegiate careers. We continue to invest in providing the resources, coaching, and competition necessary for every player to reach their full potential. This ensures that players can move seamlessly through each tier, developing the skills, experience, and mindset to thrive at the next level.
Check out our Elite milestones and success stories in 2024 below!
2024 Player Pathway Expansions: EAL, DPL, and NPL | #CRYSCEAL #CRYSCDPL #CRYSCNPL
2024 has been an exciting year of growth for CRYSC Elite programming, with three significant player pathway expansions across our regions: the introduction of the Elite Academy League (EAL) and Development Player League (DPL) to our roster of partner leagues and the relocation of National Premier Leagues (NPL) programming. These expansions and adjustments represent another step toward making Rapids Youth Soccer a destination for elite players across the nation.
Click here to view highlights and updates from NPL programming in 2024!
Our Boys and Girls NPL programs had an exceptional summer, showcasing impressive growth and achievement:
- The North 07B team made a strong playoff push in their first year in NPL, with standout performances from Sebastian Alvarez and Alex Aguilar. Both players were nominated for the prestigious US Club Soccer ID2 event, a testament to their skill and the high level of development within our program.
- On the girls' side, the NPL program showed significant improvement in its inaugural season. The girls competed at a high level and gained valuable experience, particularly from their first season and the Arizona event. A major highlight was the Castle Rock 08G team, which qualified for the NPL Playoffs—a remarkable achievement that underscores their talent, hard work, and teamwork.
These accomplishments across both programs reflect the growing strength of our club and the dedication of our players and coaches. We are excited to continue supporting our athletes as they strive for tremendous success in the seasons ahead.
Click here to view highlights and updates from DPL and EAL programming in 2024!
Looking ahead to the 2024/25 season, we are excited to enter our first year with both the DPL Girls and EAL Boys National Leagues, marking a significant step in the growth and development of soccer opportunities in Castle Rock.
We are particularly proud to announce that several of our teams are currently in first place in their respective divisions within the DPL. These teams—2012 Girls, 2011 Girls, 2010 Girls, and 2009 Girls—have demonstrated exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination, positioning themselves firmly to qualify for the DPL Nationals.
These new league affiliations represent an exciting opportunity for our athletes, staff, and the entire soccer community. As we continue to elevate the level of play, we are committed to providing even more opportunities for our athletes to succeed and grow.
Introducing the CRYSC technical leadership team!
In 2024, the CRYSC technical team gained two talented leaders: Danny Bills as Chief of Soccer Operations and Zac Crawford as Chief Technical Director!
- Danny Bills | Chief of Soccer Operations: Danny joins CRYSC with a distinguished coaching career, a commitment to Colorado soccer, a proven track record of success, and a desire to improve the club’s technical expertise at all levels. He has over 20 years of experience working in his home state of Colorado and holds a USSF National “A” License and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. Click here to read more about Danny!
- Zac Crawford | Chief Technical Director: Zac is an energetic and passionate professional with over 20 years of experience in soccer as a player, coach, referee, educator, and technical director. Joining CRYSC from the U.S. Soccer Federation headquarters in Chicago, Crawford brings a wealth of experience at the grassroots and national levels to our club and the state of Colorado. Click here to read more about Zac!
ECNL accolades in 2024 | #CRYSCGirlsECNL #CRYSCBoysECNL #CRYSCElite
The ECNL Boys and Girls programs have made tremendous strides throughout the year, with players showing impressive growth and competitive spirit. Congratulations to our players who have received individual accolades, as well as our teams who have achieved historic success in the league, playoffs, and beyond!
- All-American Awards: 23 ECNL players were awarded end-of-season honors for the 2023/24 season, including 18U/19U ECNL All-American award for Amy Smith (06G ECNL) and a 18/19U ECNL All-American/Player of the Year award for Marcus Von (05/06B ECNL)! Click the drop-downs below to view the full list of players.
- National Selection Game Players and Coaches: Congratulations to Lucy Garnsey (06G ECNL), Cole Wearner (07B ECNL), Marin Kotschau (08G ECNL), Daniel Agnew (Coach, Boys Elite Director), and Tom Poole (Coach, Girls Elite Director), who participated in an ECNL National Selection Game this season!
- National Selection Game Player of the Match: A special shout out to Marin Kotschau (08G ECNL, 2009 birth year) on being voted Player of the Match at the ECNL Girls Phoenix National Selection Game! Marin made a huge impact as one of the youngest players on the field, competing against some of the top talents in the US. Way to represent CRYSC and Colorado soccer on the national stage!
- ECNL Playoffs: Congratulations to our 2011 Boys, 2009 Boys, 2008 Boys, 2007 Boys, and 2006/05 Boys teams that qualified for the playoffs in 2024 – the most in club history! This extraordinary achievement highlights the strength and depth of our boys’ program, reflecting the tireless work of both players and coaches.
Click here to view our Rapids girls players who received 2024 ECNL All-Conference awards!
- Amy Smith - 18/19U ECNL - First Team
- Jace Holley - 18/19U ECNL - First Team
- Lexi Meyer - 18/19U ECNL - Second Team
- Abriana Ruiz - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Ivy Sobel - 17U ECNL - Second Team
- Marin Kotschau - 16U ECNL - First Team
- Anna Taylor - 16U ECNL - Second Team
- Lauren Sabus - 15U ECNL - First Team
- Kiri Fogarty-Sears - 15U ECNL - Second Team
Click here to view our Rapids boys players who received 2024 ECNL All-Conference awards!
- Lucas Montera - 18/19U ECNL - First Team
- Theo Scott - 18/19U ECNL - First Team
- Marcus Von - 18/19U ECNL - First Team
- Marcelo Ruiz - 18/19U ECNL - Second Team
- Joziah Garron-Guillen - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Charles Sharp - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Miguel Vasquez - 17U ECNL - First Team
- Asher Christus - 17U ECNL - Second Team
- Rohan Aggarwal - 16U ECNL - First Team
- Ian Chung - 16U ECNL - First Team
- Jackson Kaunda - 16U ECNL - Second Team
- Jameson Gailey - 15U ECNL - First Team
- Connor Jachimiak - 15U ECNL - First Team
- Wyatt Arter - 15U ECNL - Second Team
ECNL-RL accolades in 2024 | #CRYSCGirlsECNLRL #CRYSCBoysECNLRL #CRYSCECNLRL
The ECNL-RL Boys and Girls programs have had an exemplary year, with success at Regionals and even a Championship appearance! Congratulations to our players and teams who have been recognized for their outstanding performances throughout 2024.
- Mountain All-Regional Team: 24 ECNL-RL players received end-of-season honors with their selection for the Mountain All-Regional Team! Click the drop-downs below to view the full list of players.
- ENCL-RL Regionals: Congratulations to our 2010 North Boys, 2011 Central Boys, 2009 Central Boys, 2008 Central Boys, 2007 Central Boys, 2005/06 Central Boys, 2011 South Girls, 2009 South Girls, and 2008 South Girls ECNL-RL teams that qualified for regionals in 2024! Stay tuned as these teams and more look to make the ECNL-RL playoffs in the summer.
- ECNL-RL Championship Finalist: The 2011 Central Boys team has stood out this season, qualifying for the ECNL-RL Regionals and advancing to the ECNL National Championships. This extraordinary accomplishment underscores the hard work, resilience, and skill of the 2011 boys and their coaching staff!
Click here to view our Rapids girls players who were selected to the 2024 ECNL-RL Mountain All-Regional team!
- Alexa Anderson - 18/19U ECNL-RL
- Daniella Iaquinta - 18/19U ECNL-RL
- Reilly Boyle - 17U ECNL-RL
- Aubrey Lindeman - 17U ECNL-RL
- Isabelle Becker - 16U ECNL-RL
- Hannah Cook - 16U ECNL-RL
- Sadie Hartman - 16U ECNL-RL
- Lara Jaenisch - 16U ECNL-RL
- Scarlett French - 15U ECNL-RL
- Lily Glassman - 15U ECNL-RL
- Elizabeth Harrison - 15U ECNL-RL
- Evansten "EV" Martucci - 15U ECNL-RL
- Lotte Nydam - 15U ECNL-RL
- Lydia Wagner - 15U ECNL-RL
Click here to view our Rapids boys players who were selected to the 2024 ECNL-RL Mountain All-Regional team!
- Tate Bliss – 18/19U ECNL-RL
- Shawn Woodall – 18/19U ECNL-RL
- William (Liam) Klossner – 17U ECNL-RL
- Reed Wearner – 17U ECNL-RL
- Robert (Cam) Bachus – 16U ECNL-RL
- Sergiu Farca – 16U ECNL-RL
- Isaac Wells – 16U ECNL-RL
- Sawyer Lee – 15U ECNL-RL
- Cristian Rojas Ojeda – 15U ECNL-RL
- Mason Spicer – 15U ECNL-RL
"CRYSC Futsal in 2024 was a year defined by growth and the outstanding achievements of our players and coaches. This year, our program continued to establish an authentic futsal culture within the club and the state of Colorado. To provide a more competitive environment for our players, our teams not only competed in United Futsal events, but for the first time in club history, we expanded our competition structure to include U.S. Futsal events. Both sets of competitions allowed our players to compete and play against top futsal clubs in the country." - Roxy Kamal, CRYSC Associate Director of Futsal and Administrator
Click here to read more on CRYSC Futsal in 2024 and 2025!
An Incredible Year of Futsal: THANK YOU to our Rapids Futsal community for your support, effort, and trust in the process throughout 2024! The results are showing for themselves both on and off the court, and we have seen tremendous growth in the program from all players and coaches involved. Our returning players, returning staff, and new members have committed themselves to continued development in the sport, allowing us to continue pushing forward and increasing our program's quality.
Looking forward to 2025: We are excited about the new year of futsal and have added a few critical layers to the program that will enhance the experience for everyone involved. We have been working closely with all Elite Tiers of the club to provide a futsal option to our top players and continued options for our competitive players and recreational players to be introduced to the sport of futsal through our seasonal clinics.
Learn more about CRYSC Futsal: We invite every CRYSC member to look into our program and see if futsal is the correct 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.
Introducing the Elite Futsal Academy (EFA) and Advanced Futsal Academy (AFA)!
In 2024, CRYSC Futsal introduced its highest-level programs: the Elite Futsal Academy and the Advanced Futsal Academy! The EFA was created to develop the game’s future stars by providing an elite environment for skill mastery and growth. With year-round training, world-class competition, and access to the state’s only dedicated indoor futsal facility, the EFA has everything a futsal player needs to reach the top of the game. The AFA is a training-based futsal program with no commitment to join regional or national competitions. The program works closely with the EFA and allows players to compete when they are ready and interested in taking a step up. Click here to learn more about the EFA/AFA!
Futsal player and coach honors in 2024 | #CRYSCFutsal
Congratulations to Troy Moss on winning the United Futsal's Most Valuable Goalkeeper award—Infantil Division for 2024 and to Roxy Kamal, CRYSC Associate Director of Futsal and Adminstrator, on her selection to the US Women's Futsal National Team!
Keep up with CRYSC Futsal teams, awards, honors, and more by clicking the social icons below!
CHSAA honors for CRYSC players in 2024!
Congratulations to the CRYSC players who won their 2024 High School Soccer State Championship! CRYSC players at Cherry Creek HS (Boys 5A), Mountain Vista HS (Girls 5A), Air Academy (Boys 4A), Holy Family (Boys 3A), Colorado Academy (Girls 3A), and Forge Christian (Boys 2A) lifted the trophy at their schools on the biggest stage this year.
60+ players from these schools were also recognized by the CHSAA with All-State honors, with Cole Wearner (Cherry Creek High School | Rapids 06/07B ECNL) being awarded Player of the Year in his division!
Click here to view our Rapids girls players selected for 2024 CHSAA All-State honors!
- Jace Holley - 5A First Team
- Samantha Maroni - 5A Second Team
- Adeleine Walick - 5A Second Team
- Kennedy Albertson - 5A Honorable Mention
- Madeleine Burr - 5A Honorable Mention
- Mia DeJohn - 5A Honorable Mention
- Emma Hill - 5A Honorable Mention
- Emma Naftanel - 5A Honorable Mention
- Sydney Nelms - 5A Honorable Mention
- Brooke Roth - 5A Honorable Mention
- Ivy Sobel - 5A Honorable Mention
- Keira Truofreh - 5A Honorable Mention
- Brooklyn Bussey - 4A First Team
- Betzael Contreras - 4A First Team
- Lauryn Maggio - 4A Second Team
- Lillyaunna Norden - 4A Second Team
- Abriana Ruiz - 4A Second Team
- Margaux Boyer - 4A Honorable Mention
- Chloe Catalano - 4A Honorable Mention
- Lauren Davis - 4A Honorable Mention
- Paige Russell - 4A Honorable Mention
- Anna Taylor - 4A Honorable Mention
- Paige Wagner - 4A Honorable Mention
- Lucy Garnsey - 3A First Team
- Emma Parker - 3A First Team
- Kayah Robbins - 3A First Team
- Emily Gesick - 3A Second Team
- Sarah Sellers - 3A Second Team
- Mollie Skibinski - 3A Second Team
- Sierra Bennett - 3A Honorable Mention
- Lyla Hinchey - 3A Honorable Mention
- Eden Lander - 3A Honorable Mention
- Maria Storch - 3A Honorable Mention
- Abby Downey - 2A First Team
- Hailey Hubbart - 2A Second Team
- Lotte Nydam - 2A Second Team
- Ginny Shade - 2A Second Team
- Kaelyn Doan - 2A Honorable Mention
Click here to view our Rapids boys players selected for 2024 CHSAA All-State honors!
- Caden Gard - 5A First Team
- Isaias Bonilla - 5A First Team
- Cole Wearner - 5A First Team - PLAYER OF THE YEAR
- Austin Hall - 5A First Team
- Zander Kosmas - 5A Second Team
- Nathan Palmer - 5A Second Team
- Isaac Cardoza - 5A Second Team
- Charles Sharp - 5A Second Team
- Joziah Garron Guillen - 5A Honorable Mention
- Nathan Sagawed - 5A Honorable Mention
- Alex Kedzierski - 5A Honorable Mention
- Andrew Harwell - 5A Honorable Mention
- Noah Bills - 5A Honorable Mention
- Leyton McGeough - 5A Honorable Mention
- Gavin Dalzell - 5A Honorable Mention
- Josh Perez - 5A Honorable Mention
- Roman Cedillo - 4A First Team
- Jackson Kaunda - 4A First Team
- Erick Quezada Vasquez - 4A Second Team
- Cooper Benz - 4A Honorable Mention
- Jose Soto - 4A Honorable Mention
- Juan Macias - 4A Honorable Mention
- Semin Gazibara - 4A Honorable Mention
- Mason Spicer - 3A First Team
- Ian Chung - 3A First Team
- Gael Olivas - 3A Honorable Mention
- Max Baker - 3A Honorable Mention
- Kobe Thai - 3A Honorable Mention
- Braydon Depew - 3A Honorable Mention
- Caleb Adam - 3A Honorable Mention
- Noah Arter - 2A First Team
- Dominic Siegel - 2A First Team
- Brady Kindig - 2A First Team
- Brayden Short - 2A Honorable Mention
- Daniel Arriaza - 2A Honorable Mention
CRYSC national and state honors in 2024!
Congratulations to Marcus Von (ECNL Boys Alumnus) on winning the 2024 Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year award!
Congratulations to Lucy Garnsey (ECNL Girls Alumna) on winning the Sports Women of Colorado Most Outstanding Player award!
CRYSC Alumnae signing professional soccer contracts in 2024!
Congratulations to Cori Dyke (ECNL Girls and Rapids Women Alumna) on getting drafted and signing a professional contract with Orlando Pride (NWSL), Natalie Beckman (ECNL Girls and Rapids Women Alumna) on signing a professional contract with AC Sparta Praha - Ženy, Kyleigh Hall (Rapids Women Alumna) on signing a professional contract with Unifut Antigua, and Mari Annest (Rapids Women Alumna) on signing a professional contract with FC Pinzgau Saalfelden Frauen!
CRYSC international call-ups in 2024!
Congratulations to Heather Gilchrist (ECNL Girls Alumna) on being called up multiple times to the U20 US Soccer Women's Youth National Team, Betzael Contreras (ECNL Girls Alumna) on being called up multiple times to the Guatemala Women's National Team, and Batbayar Baatarchuluun (08B Central ECNL-RL) on being called up to the Mongolia U17 National Team!
CRYSC ODP and All-Star team selections in 2024!
Congratulations to Brooklyn Smith (08G ECNL) and Kade Kolling (11B ECNL) on being selected for the US Youth Soccer ODP National Team rosters and to Miguel Alvarado (Rapids Academy and CRYSC Graduate) on his selection for the 2024 MLS Next All-Star game!
CRYSC US ID Center selections in 2024!
Congratulations to our Boys and Girls Players who were selected to attend US ID Centers in 2024! Selections not pictured in the graphics above are Ivy Sobel (07G), Abriana Ruiz (07G), Anna Taylor (08G), Brooklyn Smith (08G), Jordan Killion (08G), Lauren Sabus (09G), Marin Kotschau (09G), Emerson Carranza (09G), Olivia Rice (10G), and Amelia Osilka (10G).
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 2024!
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 Rapids Youth Soccer, we celebrate the Class of 2024 and early 2025 signees for their remarkable achievements on and off the field. Despite the challenges posed by recent NCAA recruiting rule changes, these successes highlight the determination of our players and the adaptability of our programs across all levels and regions. We wish these athletes continued success in their next chapters and eagerly look forward to celebrating more Class of 2025 commitments in the coming months.” - Anthony Presnell, CRYSC College Placement Program Director
"We are excited to recognize the 80+ players who have taken the next step in their academic and athletic careers by committing to college soccer programs across the United States. These athletes represent a diverse group across both our boys' and girls' programs, and their success is a testament to the commitment of our coaches, staff, players, and their families. The College Placement Program continues to provide invaluable support to players looking to continue their soccer careers after CRYSC. From recruiting assistance to academic guidance, the CPP is here to ensure that each student-athlete is prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, both on and off the field." - Danny Bills, CRYSC Chief of Soccer Operations
Meet the CRYSC Class of 2024 & Class of 2025 (early):
Click here to see the Class of 2025 player signing photos! (with more to come next year)
CRYSC Class of 2025 Early College Commitments (Not Pictured):
- Olivia Redmon - Northern Colorado
- Gracie Lambrecht - Cornell College
- Amairany Vidana - Colorado State
- Zander Kosmas - Stetson
- Lucy Garnsey - University of Denver
- Maisie Creamer - Babson 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 note on coach education from CRYSC Technical Director, Zac Crawford:
As Chief Technical Director of Rapids Youth Soccer Club, I oversee the development and implementation of a cohesive technical belief system aimed at fostering player-centered environments and consistent structures for player development. Serving 12,000 players across six diverse regions, my role is to ensure these beliefs accommodate regional differences while equipping coaches with the tools to identify and nurture talent effectively.
In 2024, the club has seen tremendous growth in our efforts and abilities to provide education opportunities for coaches. THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the next step in their coaching journey this year! Our niche is to develop remarkable coaches, and the highlight of my first year at CRYSC has been working with you to grow on and off the field.
Click here for a technical analysis of Coach Education in 2024!
In 2024, we have utilized several workgroups that have helped co-create key aspects of our technical identity across different club programs. These technical beliefs will help us achieve our club’s purpose of the “Heart Behind the Crest” and our niche of “Develop Remarkable Coaches.” We have launched our club’s new Technical Plan, "One Club, One Community," which consists of many different beliefs and structures that help us create player-centered environments.
When children go to school, they learn using a school-wide/district-wide curriculum to progress from grade to grade while experiencing cumulative learning. Children should undergo a similar experience in sports. A technical plan provides a solid foundation for player development by identifying and connecting key beliefs and philosophies around player identification, player development, and game development. It helps:
- Implement a desired culture (expected behaviors)
- Create clarity about the optimal learning environment (competency development)
- Supports consistency across the regions
- Allows communication (message becomes clear and repeatable)
This plan benefits the overall player experience as our club utilizes a shared belief system, resulting in common structures and shared language that truly make our environments player-centered. Utilizing a technical plan across all of our regions does not mean that we do not believe in flexibility;
Instead, it provides our staff and coaches with the “non-negotiables” and “guardrails” so that we can share consistent beliefs across our regions, thereby creating One Club, One Community.
Some of the belief structures we’ve created so far this year:
- Identify and Develop: Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating Player
- The Learning Environment: Our CRYSC Philosophies and Methodologies
- The Game: Learning Plans- Developmentally Appropriate Game Models
This winter, we will launch our learning management system (LMS) and offer coaches opportunities to dive into their own learning journeys. Stay tuned this holiday season for more information!
Click here for Coach Education highlights in 2024!
This past year has seen a continued dedication to coach development across our regions. Whether coaches participated in Community Coaching Night in Fort Collins or the Rapid Training Experience in Castle Rock, all of our CRYSC regions have provided consistent coach development programming to support the various needs of our coaches. Our Regional Technical Directors led the charge within each region to determine the needs and then provide programming and support like the south region has done this fall by focusing on the Key Qualities. Each region also hosted specific goalkeeping clinics in the fall led by the respective GK Directors of Coaching to discuss the role of the goalkeeper position and how coaches can provide support.
Additionally, we’ve offered club-wide programming for coaches, including the Summer Symposium Series, which featured guest speakers on various topics, such as performance analysis. Coaches experienced both theory and practice sessions from the classroom to the field. We will look to build on these successes during next summer’s window.
Concerning formal education and licensing courses, we hosted two U.S. Soccer D Courses that have served over 50 coaches across the front range. Additionally, we hosted various U.S. Soccer Grassroots courses that have impacted over 200 coaches. We are looking to host our first U.S. Soccer B Course starting in January 2025. CRYSC has licensed educators at almost every level and will continue to host more Grassroots and D Courses, as well as look to host a C Course in 2025.
The Next Wave Program, led by Kathryn Balogun, during the Spring season, helped forge connections and support for female coaches and coaches of female players. Bimonthly connection points offered mentorship opportunities.
For our full-time staff, many educational opportunities were provided during 2024, including our Winter In-Service, where we focused on the role of the coach developer. Other opportunities included attending Colorado Rapids first-team training with Coach Chris Armas and webinars from first-team assistant coaches Chris Sharpe and Chris Little. Our staff has also had opportunities to connect with other external experts as part of our Technical Development Workshop Series, including U.S. Soccer Talent ID Manager Illeana Moschos and DU Professor Sara Campbell.
Overall, CRYSC has been able to support coaches in developing their own individual development plans, including formal education. Check out the table below to see the regional breakdown of coach licensure in 2024!
| Region | Grass Roots | D-License | C-License | B-License | A-License |
| Castle Rock | 9 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Central | 11 | 8 | 3 | 3 | |
| Elite | 4 | ||||
| Fort Collins | 4 | ||||
| North | 4 | 1 | 1 | ||
| South | 6 | 3 | 3 |
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 who 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, 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 - Hadley Whitworth. Click here to nominate a player for this January!
Congratulations to Sean Montgomery on winning the December 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Congratulations to Sean Montgomery on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for December 2024!
Sean plays center back for our Rapids Fort Collins 11/12B Select team. His coaches and teammates say he is the player you can count on to show up, work hard, and lead others consistently. Sean has been a long-time Rapids athlete, and throughout his years here, he has only continued to grow into a wonderful young man both on and off the pitch. Being a natural-born leader, Sean is the captain of his CRYSC team. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Click here to catch up on our UCHealth Player of the Month winners in 2024!
Congrats to Izzie Harrison on winning our January 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Izzie plays as a striker for our Rapids 09G South ECNL-RL team and is recognized by her teammates and coaches for her role as a leader and a well-rounded individual. She excels not only on the field but also in philanthropy and academics. This past season, Izzie showcased her talent as one of the standout players on her team and played a critical role in their undefeated record. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Kailyn Ertler on winning our February 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Kailyn plays midfield for our Rapids 07G NPL team and is recognized by her teammates and coaches for being hard-working, intelligent, and kindhearted. Her talents grow every day as she develops as a leader on the field, in the classroom, and in her community. Kailyn has showcased her resilience and determination on the field after being diagnosed with POTS two years ago and a concussion prior to her school season, keeping her from playing for 7 months. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Spyridon Armatas on winning our April 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Spyridon plays as a defender and striker for our Rapids Fort Collins 11B Select team. He brings an infectious positive attitude everywhere he goes and exemplifies hard work on the field and in the classroom. On the field, he has continuously improved his game and is playing every match at a high level. With the versatility to play at both ends of the field, he has become an important leader within the squad. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Edin Karasalihovic on winning our May 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Edin plays central defensive midfield for our Rapids Central Burgundy I team and was an integral part of their undefeated season this spring. His coaches and teammates know him as a reliable teammate and a great listener who continues to grow his game through discipline and careful observation of his coach’s instruction. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Peter Norton on winning our July 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Peter plays central attacking midfield for our Rapids 13B Central Select I and considers soccer a part of his core identity. His coaches and teammates know him to be extremely dedicated to the game, defining his success by his team’s success. While being one of the top goalscorers on his team, Peter prides himself on leading his team in assists, adapting his play based on how his team is performing in front of goal. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Hana Joerns on winning our August 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Hana plays goalkeeper for our Rapids 10GB NPL team and is considered by her coaches and teammates to be a great team player, always motivating the team with her commitment to her role and her kindness. While being responsible for the energy of the team, Hana prides herself on leading her team, always congratulating her teammates on success as well as giving them constructive feedback after tough matches or losses. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Sergiu Farca on winning our September 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Sergiu Farca plays in midfield for our Rapids ECNL-RL 08B team and is considered by his coaches and teammates to be humble, disciplined, and a technically sound player. He is a versatile midfielder who strives to improve the tactical and technical aspects of his game. Sergiu is the 2024 ECRL Boys All Around Conference Winner. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congratulations to Avery Haug on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for October 2024!
Avery plays goalkeeper for our Rapids Castle Rock 09G Select and 09G DPL teams. Her coaches and teammates say she is a player committed to improving her game while regularly demonstrating her exceptional abilities as a leader. Avery strives to succeed on the pitch and in every aspect of her life, whether that’s school, extracurricular activities, or community service. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Bailey Ledvina on winning our November 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Bailey plays right-winger for our Rapids 10B South Select I team. His coaches and teammates say he is a great leader for the group, helping his teammates with his performance, grit, skills, and attitude. While being a great leader, Bailey also is consistent in his approach to success, truly embodying of what a Rapids Youth Soccer player should strive to achieve on and off the field. On the field, Bailey performed excellently at Arizona’s Desert Classic earlier this year, scoring 3 goals with 1 assist. 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 2024 CRYSC Tournament Series!
CRYSC members can look forward to more pro-level videos highlighting all of our major tournaments in 2025! Click the thumbnails below to watch videos from our 2024 Icebreaker, Rapids Classic, Fall Footie Fest, and Mile High Showcase!
A message from CRYSC's Director of International Partnerships, Jeff Oleck:
Looking back on the year, CRYSC International facilitated trips for over 240 players, family members, and CRYSC coaches/staff in the 2024 travel cycle. Destinations included Costa Rica, Spain, England, Germany, and the Netherlands, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in soccer/football/fútbol/fußball while taking in the rich culture, landscape, and delicious foods (yum!) each country offers. While our youngest travelers in the 12U and 14U ages explored the Albert Docks in Liverpool and the hallowed grounds of Camp Nou in Barcelona, our oldest travelers in the 15U-19U ages searched for sloths and rehabbed a village playground in Costa Rica or visited moving historic locations such as the Anne Frank House - the aim through it all was to enhance the worldview and perspective of those who participated.
This wide range of sporting, historical, and cultural experiences is why this program exists. CRYSC International seeks to provide an incredible platform for our players, families, and coaches to explore new places, people, and cultures while becoming better-informed citizens of the world. THANK YOU for your support, engagement, and trust in our organization as we continue to showcase the intersection of sport and culture. We are eager and excited to continue building life-long memories with the 100+ CRYSC members currently registered for our 2025 trips - click here to learn more on our website!
Click here for CRYSC International stats and feedback from our travelers!
- “The Costa Rica trip was the best trip I’ve ever been on. Everything was perfect and looking back I can’t think of a single thing I’d want to change. We got to work with amazing coaches and players and I met both Costa Rican and American friends that I am still in contact with and will last me a lifetime.” - Participating Player
- “This trip to Costa Rica was perfect! It was life-changing for both me and my son. We had new experiences that can only occur through travel and made life-long friends.” - Participating Parent
- “The trip to England was a great experience that brought the sense of exhilarating fun, memorable moments, and more learning opportunities for players.” - Participating Parent
- “I thought the England trip was fantastic. The games and stadium tour were one of a kind. A great way for our players to gain perspective from another country and culture, while having the familiarity of a soccer setting.” - Participating CRYSC Staff Coach
- “Our son flew to Spain with 16 strangers, and in a few short days, he gained several life long friends! In addition, he felt valued and appreciated as a player in the Rapids environment and his coaches took his training to the next level-much appreciated!” - Participating Parent
- “Tying in soccer (futbol) with a Spanish cultural experience was amazing and our family would highly recommend it. Getting to connect with others via the universal language of soccer is such a great growth opportunity for the players and families.” - Participating Parent
A message from CRYSC's Head Athletic Trainer, Julie Graves:
With the support of UCHealth/CU Orthopedics, the CRYSC sports medicine department serves athletes and their families with top-of-the-line treatment and care. CRYSC members have access to free evaluations, prevention, and rehabilitation programs, as well as direct referrals to state-of-the-art facilities and Orthopedic providers/specialists at UCHealth/CU Sports Medicine. All you have to do to access these benefits is reach out to me - CRYSC Head Athletic Trainer Julie Graves - for an initial consultation so a plan can be made to ensure your athlete returns to play as quickly and safely as possible. I work directly with the providers at UCHealth/CU Orthopedics to give your athlete and family a 'VIP' experience through the partnership. If your family needs anything at any time, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Click here for CRYSC Sports Medicine and Sport Psych information, blogs, and resources from 2024!
- Sports Medicine Blogs and Resources: Learn more about the CRYSC Sports Medicine Program by visiting our website! For sports medicine tips, guides, and more, check out our 2024 blog articles published by Julie: Hamstring Injury Rehab, AC Joint Rehab, Quadricep Injury Rehab, MCL Injury Rehab, Gluteus Medius Rehab, Concussion Protocol, and Calf Rehabilitation Program.
- Sport Psychology Blogs and Resources: Learn more about the CRYSC Sports Psych Program by visiting our website! In our ongoing effort to create safe soccer environments, CRYSC Sport Psych has worked to create practical resources with you in mind. Check out our 2024 blog articles: Feeling the Heat, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Springtime, Sunshine, and… Stress?, and Getting the Good Out.
CRYSC TOPSoccer programming kicked off in 2024!
This year, our Rapids North and South regions were proud to introduce a new opportunity for players with special needs to experience the beautiful game! CRYSC TOPSoccer launched in the fall of 2024, welcoming children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities into a program where games and activities are adapted to their needs.
THANK YOU to all of our first-year participants! In February 2025, we're excited to host our inaugural club-wide TOPSoccer Festival for 4-18-year-old players - click here for event details! Learn more about TOPSoccer programs by clicking here, or contact CRYSC Director of Community Engagement and Interbranch Coordinator Greg Sumlin for any questions.
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.
2024 was an exciting year of growth and new opportunities for Rapids Youth Soccer. We can't thank you enough for shaping this club, and we eagerly await kicking off a new season of tournaments and league play together this spring!