CRYSC Next Wave

Introducing Kathryn Balogun, Director of Next Wave for the 2024 season!

Kathryn brings an impressive background to her role, having recently served as a Head Coach within CRYSC Rising Rapids Central. As an accomplished US Soccer “A” Licensed Coach, Kathryn boasts a remarkable 15-year tenure at the college level, including eight years as a head coach.

Her dedication to player and coach development is evident through her involvement in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) for the South Region, where she served as a lead for the past eight years. Beyond the field, Kathryn extends her impact by contributing as a US Soccer Coaching Educator, demonstrating a profound passion for nurturing talent at all levels.

A native of Monument, CO, Kathryn’s journey in soccer took her to play D1 soccer at Campbell University in North Carolina. Her collegiate playing experience culminated in conference regular season and tournament championships, as well as an appearance in the College Cup. Following a brief stint at the semi-pro level in Virginia Beach, VA, she then transitioned into full time coaching due to injuries.

Returning to her Colorado roots after coaching in various southern locations, Kathryn, along with her husband, who shares her passion for soccer and women empowerment, is now a proud parent to a three-year-old daughter, often seen around the fields. When not immersed in soccer or family time, Kathryn finds solace in nature and with animals.

Kathryn’s enthusiasm for her new role as Director of Next Wave is contagious. She thrives on creating a safe and nurturing environment that fosters both development and fun, reflecting her deep sense of joy and purpose. While still acquainting herself with the intricacies of Rapids Youth, Kathryn encourages open communication and welcomes questions from the community.

Introducing Katie, the dedicated Director of Mental Performance for Next Wave, whose journey from Vancouver, WA, to the forefront of sports psychology has been nothing short of inspiring.

Katie holds a B.S. in Health & Disease Biology from Purdue University, and her passion for holistic athlete and coach development led her on a transformative path.

After gaining invaluable experience as a rehabilitation technician at a physical therapy clinic near Seattle, Katie recognized a crucial aspect missing in athlete and coach care – the mental well-being. Conversations with patients about fear, confidence, anxiety, and motivation sparked a realization: the minds of performers needed attention. Fueled by this revelation, Katie pursued a Master’s Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver, emerging with a deepened sense of purpose.

With her academic journey complete, Katie established Strive Performance, a Sport Psychology private practice, demonstrating her commitment to bridging the gap between physical and mental performance. In tandem with her role as Director of Mental Performance for CRYSC, Katie continues to work with athletes and coaches of all ages and skill levels.

As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, designated by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge to her role with Next Wave. Her approach to leadership is rooted in the understanding that optimal learning and performance extend beyond the physical realm. Katie’s person-centered, solution-focused methodology is characterized by honesty, curiosity, and compassion.

She is driven by the goal of equipping athletes and coaches to autonomously manage the challenges they encounter within the larger systems they are part of. In her role with Next Wave, Katie is poised to make a profound impact, nurturing the mental resilience and performance excellence of our talented coaches.

Join us in welcoming Katie, whose expertise will undoubtedly elevate the Next Wave experience to new heights.

Meet Jess Kamnikar, our accomplished Regional Manager based in Fort Collins, whose journey with soccer has been a lifelong passion and a remarkable story of transition from player to coach, leadership to new mom.

Growing up, Jess’s connection with soccer was forged on the fields of Pride Soccer Club, laying the foundation for her enduring love for the sport. Her playing career soared to new heights as she donned the jerseys of both Wright State University and Colorado State University during her NCAA D1 soccer days. Notably, Jess played a pivotal role in CSU’s inaugural year in 2013, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

After graduating in 2016, Jess’s dedication to the soccer community remained unwavering. Eager to continue her involvement, she made the seamless transition from player to coach by joining CRYSC. Since then, Jess has been a cornerstone of our coaching team, bringing her wealth of playing experience and a deep understanding of the game to nurture the next generation of soccer enthusiasts.

Currently serving as the Regional Manager in Fort Collins, Jess exemplifies the spirit of dedication and passion. Beyond her managerial responsibilities, she maintains an active presence on the field, regularly participating in both indoor and outdoor matches, showcasing her enduring love for the game.

For Jess, the journey from player to coach, and now to a Director within the club, is marked by unbridled excitement. Working alongside a talented team of coaches and individuals, she finds immense joy in creating positive experiences for our members, fostering a sense of community that extends to both parents and players. Jess is committed to building lasting relationships throughout the soccer community, embodying the values of teamwork and collaboration that define CRYSC.

Join us in celebrating Jess Kamnikar, a dynamic leader whose commitment to soccer excellence and community engagement continues to shape the vibrant soccer culture in Fort Collins and beyond.

Introducing Brittain Rademacher, a Next Wave mentor and U11-U14 Girls Director in the South Region. Hailing from Houston, TX, Brittain’s soccer journey has been a testament to her commitment to excellence, both as a player and as a coach.

As a four-year scholarship athlete at East Stroudsburg University, Brittain’s leadership qualities were evident, captaining the team from 2011 to 2013. Her playing experience extended to semi-professional where she showcased her skills with teams like Binghamton, Lady Sonics FC, and Orlando Kicks.

Post-playing career, Brittain transitioned seamlessly into coaching, garnering experiences across prestigious soccer programs. Notably, she served as the Director of Goalkeeping for the Houston Dash Academy, where she led coaching efforts for U13-U19 Academy Teams, formulated goalkeeping curricula, and managed social media outreach.

Brittain’s coaching prowess extended to Montverde Academy in Florida, where she held the role of Head Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach. Additionally, her tenure with the Orlando Kicks WPSL and Rutgers Newark Women’s program showcased her dedication to player development and recruitment.

Joining the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club, Brittain now spearheads the U11-U14 Girls Division and ECRL Girls Director in the South Region. Her wealth of coaching experience and leadership qualities are crucial assets in fostering a positive and developmental environment for aspiring young talents. Brittain’s passion for the sport and commitment to nurturing the next generation of soccer stars align seamlessly with the Next Wave ethos.

In addition to her coaching achievements, Brittain holds multiple coaching certifications, including a Premier Diploma (11v11) from the United Soccer Coaches of America and a UEFA “C”, reflecting her dedication to ongoing professional development.

Join us in welcoming Brittain as she continues to shape the future of soccer in the South Region and within Next Wave.

Introducing Maryn Beutler, the accomplished Director of Elite Performance Analysis, whose journey from the soccer fields of Bend, Oregon, to coaching and directorial roles has been exciting and challenging.

Maryn’s soccer roots trace back to her youth days with Oregon Rush, where she honed her skills before venturing into collegiate play at the University of Oregon. A midfielder of remarkable talent, Maryn left an indelible mark on the University of Oregon’s soccer program from 2012 to 2016. Playing in 78 career matches, she scored eight goals, including five game-winners. Her impressive achievements earned her accolades such as PAC 12 Conference Player of the Week and Honorable Mention honors over her four years of competition. At the conclusion of her collegiate career, Maryn held notable rankings in program history, showcasing her prowess on the field.Post-collegiate play, Maryn seamlessly transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of Head Coach with the Eugene Timbers Soccer Club. Simultaneously, she served as a Graduate Assistant for the Women’s Soccer Program at the University of Oregon, laying the foundation for her coaching career. Her journey continued as she assumed the position of Assistant Coach at Western Oregon University, where she played a pivotal role in coaching and directorial capacities within the Thorns ODP program.

Maryn’s commitment to continuous growth is evident in her coaching credentials. She holds a USSF “B” License, demonstrating her dedication to coaching excellence. Additionally, Maryn is a Certified Instructor and Consultant with Equilibria in Sport, showcasing her expertise in the psychological aspects of sports performance. Maryn also brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from her role as the Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach at MSU Denver.

Currently, the Director of Elite Performance Analysis, Maryn is poised to elevate our program by integrating her multifaceted expertise.

Join us in welcoming Maryn Beutler, a dynamic leader whose passion for soccer, coaching prowess, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our players, coaches and the growth of our elite performance analysis program.

Introducing Coach Roxy Kamal, an esteemed mentor for Next Wave, whose extensive soccer and futsal experience has left an indelible mark on the sport. Roxy’s journey as both a coach and player reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for developing talent.

As a four-year scholarship athlete at San Jose State University, Roxy not only showcased her prowess on the field but also demonstrated leadership qualities as a two-year captain. Her remarkable contributions led her team to a WAC Championship in 2009, laying the foundation for a successful career in soccer.

Roxy’s impact extends beyond traditional soccer, as she excelled in futsal as well. Playing for two local futsal clubs in the Bay Area, she achieved multiple Regional and National titles, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier futsal player. Her dedication to the sport reached international heights, representing the U.S. Futsal Women’s National team in prestigious events, including the AMF World Cup in Colombia (2013), the Pacific Cup in Australia (2014), and the Women’s Futsal Cup in Spain (2015).

Before joining CRYSC, her leadership extended to technical director and director of coaching roles in several Bay Area soccer clubs, demonstrating her ability to guide and inspire coaches at various levels. In 2014, Roxy took the entrepreneurial leap, establishing her own Futsal club – Gamer Futsal School, where she continues to shape the future of futsal talent.

For the past six years, Roxy has served as the head coach of the U.S. Futsal Women’s National team, steering the team to notable victories, including a Pacific Cup Championship in 2016 and an IFA Women’s World Cup Championship in 2017.

Currently holding a U.S. Soccer “B” License and possessing a Master’s in Sport Management, Roxy’s commitment to coaching excellence is evident. Now, as a mentor for Next Wave, Roxy Kamal brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of success.

Her passion for developing coaches and players alike, coupled with her dedication to the growth of the sport, makes Roxy an invaluable asset to the Next Wave coaching community. Join us in welcoming Coach Roxy Kamal, whose mentorship will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of women coaches to reach new heights in their coaching journeys.

Alana Chubb’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication. Starting as a devoted stay-at-home mom, she recognized the profound impact of sports on young lives and eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute as a volunteer soccer coach.

Driven by an unwavering desire to excel, Alana embarked on a remarkable trajectory that led her to enroll in the Next Wave Academy, where she blazed a trail as part of its inaugural graduating class. Armed with unparalleled expertise and a commitment to breaking barriers, she set out to conquer new horizons.

With determination fueling her every step, Alana obtained her USSF D licenses and is pursuing her UEFA C licenses, solidifying her status as a leader in the soccer community. Alana has worked in administrative and technical roles within the club. She now holds the Director of Coaching position for the U3-U7 age group in the Central Region, where she continues to shape the next generation of athletes while rewriting the script of what it means to be a female leader in sports.

Alana’s journey from a dedicated mom to a trailblazing force in youth soccer development inspires women who have transitioned into coaching later in life. It showcases the incredible impact of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. We are proud to have her as a mentor and member of Next Wave.

Kylie Westbrook’s journey from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Fort Collins, Colorado, is a testament to her passion for soccer and sports leadership. After completing her education at Western Washington University and Flagler College, where she played soccer and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management, Kylie delved deeper into the soccer world.

Eager to stay connected to the sport she loves, Kylie obtained her USSF D license and began coaching a recreational team. Her dedication and enthusiasm caught the attention of Co-Player Agency, leading to a full-time position stemming from her internship there.

Currently serving as the Director of Recreational Programming in Fort Collins, Kylie is committed to mentoring and developing as a leader in the soccer community. Her journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for the game and a drive to make a positive impact on players and coaches of all levels. We are excited for her to be a part of Next Wave mentorship.

Lexi comes to Colorado from Baltimore, MD. Lexi was the starting goalkeeper at Goucher College (2012-16). In 2018, she became the head coach at Notre Dame of Maryland University and led them to their first playoff appearance in program history. She was the Technical Director of Goalkeeping for the Towson United Soccer Club. She holds a Master’s degree in Athletic Program Leadership and Administration, a USSF D License, USSF C license, a Sports Performance diploma, and a GK 3 diploma from United Soccer Coaches.