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
Jameson McCabe Named July 2026 UCHealth Player of the Month!
Jameson is a part of our North Adaptive Soccer program, where he is known to be silly, fast, and always willing to give his best. Jameson enjoys seeing his volunteer buddy each week, learning new soccer skills, and being part of a team. Through the Adaptive program, he has grown more confident participating in larger groups, overcoming his fear of playing near others and feeling comfortable joining activities without pressure or expectations. Off the field, Jameson's confidence has continued to grow in the classroom, where he is more willing to raise his hand, answer questions, and participate in group activities. Outside of soccer, he loves fishing, swimming, playing with his younger brother, watching movies, and spending time with animals. This August, Jameson will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Jameson to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
Storm Staff
Jul 31 2026
Storm Staff
Jul 31 2026
Are You Ready for Fall Soccer? A Preseason Readiness Checklist
As fall soccer is just around the corner, many athletes are excited to jump back into practices, tryouts, and the fall soccer season. While it's tempting to go from summer break straight into full-speed training, taking a little time to prepare your body can make a big difference in both performance and injury prevention. As Colorado Storm's Head Athletic Trainer, one of the biggest trends I see each year is athletes returning to the field before they're physically ready. The good news? A little preparation now can help you stay healthy and perform your best all season long. Ask Yourself These Five Questions Have You Stayed Active This Summer? You don't need to be in peak soccer shape, but your body should be accustomed to regular activity before preseason begins. If you've taken a few weeks off, ease back into training gradually rather than jumping into multiple intense sessions in one week. Goal: Build your activity level over 2–3 weeks before preseason. Can You Move Well? Mobility is often overlooked but is essential for sprinting, cutting, and changing direction. Pay special attention to your: - Hip mobility - Hamstring flexibility - Calf flexibility - Ankle mobility If something feels unusually tight or restricted, address it before practices become more demanding. Are You Strong Enough? Soccer requires strength just as much as endurance. Strong muscles help protect your joints and reduce your risk of injury. Focus on exercises like: - Squats - Lunges - Single-leg balance exercises - Glute strengthening - Core stability work These movements build the foundation for powerful and safe movement on the field. Are You Fueling and Hydrating Properly? Colorado's dry climate makes dehydration happen faster than many athletes realize. Before preseason: - Drink water consistently throughout the day—not just at practice. - Eat balanced meals with carbohydrates and protein. - Refuel within 30–60 minutes after training. Good nutrition helps your body recover and prepares you for the next workout. Are You Sleeping Enough? Recovery happens when you sleep. School schedules often mean athletes lose sleep once the season begins, so establish healthy habits now. Aim for 8–10 hours of sleep each night for teen athletes. Better sleep improves reaction time, decision-making, recovery, and overall performance. Listen to Your Body A little soreness after returning to training is normal. Sharp pain, swelling, limping, or pain that doesn't improve after a day or two is not. The sooner an issue is addressed, the less likely it is to become something that keeps you off the field. Final Thoughts Preparing for the season isn't just about being in shape—it's about giving your body the best chance to stay healthy throughout the year. Take a little extra time now to build your fitness gradually, prioritize recovery, and listen to what your body is telling you. Your future self will thank you when you're able to spend more time playing and less time recovering from preventable injuries. If you have questions about an injury, soreness that won't go away, or want guidance on safely returning to training, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help keep Colorado Storm athletes healthy, confident, and on the field all season long.
Julie Graves
Jul 31 2026
Julie Graves
Jul 31 2026
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.
