News & Updates
Community News Spotlights from Previous Months
The Storm Shelter: A New Home for Player Development in Castle Rock
For years, Colorado Storm has continued to invest in environments that help players grow — not only as athletes, but as teammates, leaders, and members of the community. This summer, that commitment takes a major step forward. We are proud to officially introduce The Storm Shelter — a new year-round indoor futsal and development facility located in the heart of Castle Rock. More than just a building, The Storm Shelter represents a long-term investment in our players, families, coaches, and community. Designed to support development at every level of the game, the facility will create more opportunities for more players, more often. Built in Castle Rock. Built for Castle Rock. As our club continues to grow, one thing has remained clear: Castle Rock deserves a dedicated indoor space centered around player development and community connection. The Storm Shelter allows us to bring more training, programming, and opportunities directly into our own backyard. The new 22,000+ sq/ft facility will include: 3 futsal courts 1 mini court and dedicated training space Education and meeting room for 60+ players and coaches Staff office space Year-round training opportunities for players across all age groups Located at 158 Caprice Court, the facility creates a centralized hub for Colorado Storm programming while improving accessibility and consistency for families throughout the region. Why Futsal Matters Futsal has become an increasingly important part of player development at every level of the game. The fast-paced environment promotes creativity, decision-making, technical quality, and confidence in tight spaces — all critical elements in developing modern players. The Storm Shelter will allow Colorado Storm to expand futsal integration across the club while creating more opportunities for players to train consistently throughout the year, regardless of weather or field availability. The facility also opens doors for: Supplemental technical training Goalkeeper development Small group and position-specific training Coach education events Team-building opportunities Community programming and events Creating More Opportunities As participation in soccer continues to grow across Castle Rock and the surrounding communities, so does the need for quality training environments. The Storm Shelter was built with that future in mind. This investment allows Colorado Storm to increase access to programming, improve scheduling flexibility, and create a more connected club experience for players and families alike. It also provides a dedicated space where coaches can collaborate, educate, and continue building a developmental environment aligned across all age groups. For players, it means more touches on the ball, more opportunities to improve, and more consistency in their development journey. For families, it means more access to high-quality programming closer to home. For the community, it means continued investment in youth sports, leadership, and the long-term growth of soccer in Castle Rock. A Vision for the Future Colorado Storm Regional Technical Director Joe McNab sees The Storm Shelter as a major step forward for both player development and the overall member experience. “The Storm Shelter is about investing in Castle Rock and investing in our people. This facility gives us the opportunity to create more meaningful development experiences for our players while providing families with greater access to year-round training opportunities right here in our community. We believe environments matter, and this space will help us continue building a culture centered around growth, connection, and opportunity for every player who walks through the doors.” The vision for the facility extends beyond training sessions and futsal courts. The Storm Shelter is intended to become a place where players build confidence, coaches collaborate, teams connect, and the community gathers around the game. More Than a Facility The Storm Shelter represents the next chapter for Colorado Storm in Castle Rock. It reflects a commitment to continuing to raise standards, improve the player experience, and create opportunities that positively impact players and families for years to come. Most importantly, it reinforces what has always mattered most: creating an environment where players can show up, work hard, enjoy the game, and grow. More space to train. More opportunities to grow. More moments that matter. Right here in Castle Rock.
Storm Staff
May 27 2026
Storm Staff
May 27 2026
Colorado Storm Women: A Season To Celebrate
A special season for the Colorado Storm Women came to a close this July in the league National Finals. Congratulations to the Storm on an unbelievable year and the *27 CRYSC players, alumnae, and staff who helped bring home the 2024 Mountain Division and Western Conference titles, three playoff wins, and a league finals appearance. Head Coach Sebastian Giraldo pushed the team every step of the way during their debut campaign, which ended with a 10-1-1 regular season and deep playoff run. Below, Coach Giraldo reflects on the year, recaps some of the key moments, and highlights what made this team so successful! *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
Ben Martisius
Jul 29 2024
Ben Martisius
Jul 29 2024
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
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
