News & Updates
Awards & Accolades Spotlights from Previous Months
Anna Murphy, CSA Female Young Referee of the Year 2023
Congratulations to Rapids 07G NPL and Colorado referee Anna Murphy on being named CSA Female Young Referee of the Year in 2023! Anna Murphy’s soccer journey started with the Colorado Storm at the age of four. Twelve years later, currently on the Rapids 07G NPL team, Anna’s passion for the game shines through as a player and, most recently, as a referee. Anna began refereeing in August 2023 and credits her father for encouraging her to take on a new role within the sport. She has quickly excelled in her short time as a referee, officiating for CSA, MLS Next, and ECNL. For Anna, being a referee is more than just a job in soccer—it’s a way to give back to the game that has given her so much growing up. Anna’s commitment to excellence continues as she prepares to represent Colorado at the 2024 Far West Presidents Cup referee delegation in Utah. “Anna has made incredible strides as a referee since certifying less than a year ago. Her knowledge and passion for the game as a player are truly an advantage for her on the field as a referee. Her understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of the game has allowed her to grow by leaps and bounds as a referee in a short time.” – Deanna Duncan Allen, Director of Game Assignment / Referee Registration, Colorado Soccer Association “Anna exemplifies the best of what we look for in a referee. She is passionate about the game and relies on her playing experience to connect with players and coaches in conducting the games in a fair, fun and safe manner. Her grasp of the technical and tactical side of the game, along with a positive attitude, has given her the tools needed to bring credibility to her decisions and make her the incredible referee that she is. We are fortunate to have her in our Colorado Soccer family.” – Esse Baharmast, Director of Referees, Colorado Soccer Association Currently a junior at Lutheran High School, Anna has made immense strides as an official of the game and advocate for youth referees in Colorado. Her CSA Female Young Referee of the Year award is a reflection of that growth and inspiration for other young, aspiring local refs. Looking ahead, Anna plans to attend college to study science, play soccer, and nurture her passion and ability for refereeing. Her love for the game and the desire to contribute to its growth drive her forward, promising a future filled with academic success, athletic achievements, and continued contributions to soccer officiating. We can’t wait to follow Anna throughout her development as a referee and are so proud of her recent achievements!
Ben Martisius
Feb 09 2024
Ben Martisius
Feb 09 2024
Alex Gerson, CSA Male Young Referee of the Year 2023
Congratulations to Rapids 06B Central Select alumnus and Colorado referee Alex Gerson on being named CSA Male Young Referee of the Year in 2023! Alex Gerson is a true soccer enthusiast, with a passion for every part of the game. He’s shown his talent on the field with Rapids Youth Soccer and has recently been recognized as one of the finest referees in the state of Colorado! Alex began his soccer journey with the Rapids as a five-year-old, where he honed his skills as a goalkeeper. At 12, he took a pivotal step in his soccer journey and refereed the first game of his career. Fast forward to today, and Alex has become an accomplished referee with an impressive track record. Having officiated over 275+ games, he has a vast amount of experience for his age. His commitment to fair play and his deep understanding of the game have earned him respect among players, coaches, and fans alike.
Ben Martisius
Jan 03 2024
Ben Martisius
Jan 03 2024
Rapids 06G ECNL Semi-Finalists at ECNL Finals
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! “Our pursuit of an ECNL National Championship came up just short with a loss in the Semi-Final to an excellent Solar team. Although the pain of defeat is still prevalent, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with pride for our team. I am so proud of our journey and the adversity we’ve faced and overcome. I am so proud of the relationships we’ve formed, and there is genuine care for those on the team. Over the past two years, we’ve made it to a National Final, National Semi-Final & firmly asserted ourselves as a top 2-3 team in the country. Saturday was a tough way to end, but there will come a point where the pain will fade, and all of the positive memories will fill that void. Our run to get back to playoffs and nationals was anything but seamless. We have faced so much adversity this year, and we came up with big performances in so many big moments. The last two years have been an absolute privilege. To play a small role in the growth and development of these amazing young women has truly been an honor. Of course, a National title would’ve been a lovely way to cap off a remarkable year, but the love we have, the connections we’ve made, and the memories we’ve shared will last a lifetime. You cannot put a price on that! In my experience, and this is a lesson only time will teach you, the journey is always better than the destination. The hard yards in the dark moments, the laughs, the cries. The highs and the lows are where true joy and personal connection come; that is the most important thing, and we have that in abundance.” – Coach Tom Poole (06G ECNL)
Will Juniper
Jul 23 2023
Will Juniper
Jul 23 2023
Mile High Soccer Symposium 2026
The first Mile High Soccer Symposium is officially in the books. Over three days (June 26-28) at Regis University, coaches from across Colorado and beyond came together to learn, connect, and challenge one another alongside some of the most respected minds in the game. While the symposium featured world-class presenters from youth, collegiate, professional, and international soccer, the greatest takeaway wasn't a single presentation—it was the community that was created. Coaches shared meals together. They debated ideas between sessions. They analyzed FIFA World Cup matches. They watched elite coaches bring ideas to life on the field. They built relationships that will continue long after the weekend ended. That was always the vision. The symposium wasn't designed to be another coaching conference. It was designed to become an annual gathering where coaches invest in themselves so they can create better environments for the players they serve. Throughout the weekend, one message continued to emerge: Better coaches create better learning environments. Better learning environments help develop better players while ensuring kids continue to love the game.
Colorado Storm Health & Performance Update
As we get into the swing of summer soccer, many players are eager to jump into camps, tournaments, and other sports. While staying active is important, the off-season is also a critical time for recovery, growth, and injury prevention. Why the Off-Season Matters Young athletes often play soccer year-round, which can increase the risk of overuse injuries such as knee pain, heel pain (Sever's disease), shin splints, and stress injuries. The off-season provides an opportunity for the body to recover, rebuild strength, and prepare for the next season. Three Keys to a Healthy Summer Rest and Recover: Sports medicine experts recommend that youth athletes take breaks from organized soccer throughout the year. A few weeks with reduced soccer-specific activity allows growing bones, muscles, and tendons to recover from repetitive stress. Players don't need to be inactive—swimming, biking, hiking, and recreational play are excellent alternatives that keep kids moving while giving soccer-specific muscles a break. Build Strength and Stability: Summer is the ideal time to improve athleticism. Focus on: Bodyweight squats and lunges Core strengthening exercises Balance training Jumping and landing mechanics Hip and glute strengthening Improved strength helps reduce the risk of ACL injuries and other common soccer-related injuries. Stay Hydrated in Colorado's Climate: Colorado's dry air and higher elevation can increase fluid loss, even when temperatures feel comfortable. Hydration tips: Drink water throughout the day, not just during physical activity. Begin activities well-hydrated. Take regular water breaks during outdoor play. Watch for signs of dehydration, including headache, dizziness, fatigue, or muscle cramps. Watch for Growth Spurts Summer is a common time for rapid growth in young athletes. Parents should monitor for: Persistent heel pain Knee pain below the kneecap Increased muscle tightness Changes in coordination These can be normal during growth spurts, but should be evaluated if symptoms persist or interfere with activity. Summer Challenge Players can improve their soccer performance by aiming for: 60 minutes of physical activity daily 8–10 hours of sleep each night Strength training 2–3 times per week At least one full rest day each week A balanced summer helps athletes return healthier, stronger, and more prepared for the fall season. Remember: The best players aren't always the ones who train the most—they're often the ones who recover the best. Have a safe, active, and healthy Colorado summer!
Julie Graves
Jun 29 2026
Julie Graves
Jun 29 2026
Max Baker Named May 2026 UCHealth Player of the Month!
Max is a goalkeeper for our U18/U19B ECNL team, where his teammates and coaches know him to be competitive, friendly, and a positive influence. Max enjoys the high level of play, the access to great facilities, and being surrounded by players who want the best out of their youth soccer career and whatever may lie ahead. At school, Max is proud of his 3.8 GPA and has found a passion for psychology this year where he conducted an independent study about ‘What makes an elite athlete “elite”’? This June, Max will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Max to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
Ben Martisius
May 29 2026
Ben Martisius
May 29 2026
