News & Updates
On the Fields Spotlights from Previous Months
U23 Inaugural Season Recap
This summer marked the inaugural season for the CRYSC U23 men’s team, which saw over 60 players participate in the program. Of these, fifteen are currently playing for CRYSC, while the rest include college players and alumni. This diverse group created a dynamic and competitive environment essential for player development. Throughout the season, the team played twelve games, finishing with a record of 5-5-2. They competed against teams such as Hailstorm U23, Real Colorado U23, Boulder USL2, Switchbacks FC U23, and other top men’s teams throughout the state. A notable victory came against Hailstorm U23. The game started slowly, with our team inviting pressure and struggling to break lines. Recognizing Hailstorm’s high defensive line, our coaching staff adjusted the strategy. We stretched their backline by making more direct runs and forward passes, creating numerous opportunities for shots and services. This tactical shift led to a well-deserved win at Regis University. Each game allowed players to test their skills and prepare for the upcoming fall season. The competitive nature of these matches pushed players to their limits, ensuring they gained experience and improved their performance. “As staff, we were immensely proud of the overall work rate, dedication, and positive environment the CRYSC U23 team demonstrated throughout the summer. Thanks to the team’s exceptional effort and quality, every training session was a highlight. We eagerly anticipate the future opportunities this program will bring.” — Danny Bills, Chief of Soccer Operations, and Co-Head Coach In addition to games, we held twenty training sessions, with an average attendance of over 30 players per session. Each session was meticulously organized to ensure continuous improvement. Regular goalkeeper training sessions from Tristan Lain helped our keepers hone their skills and perform at their best. Six full-time CRYSC staff members supported the program, providing top-notch coaching and support. The coaching staff included Miguel Rodriques and Danny Bills as Co-Head Coaches, Kyle Otec, Deco Costa, Etzel Gonzalez, Tyler Adam as Assistant Coaches, and Tristan Lain as GK Coach. The program focused on immediate performance and facilitating college transfers and commitments, helping players navigate their academic and athletic futures. The dedication and hard work shown by the players were evident, impressing the staff throughout the summer. The players’ overall mentality and attitude were commendable. We are excited about the upcoming winter training and eagerly anticipate what next summer will bring after such a successful first year. The staff is particularly proud of the players’ response and perseverance, believing this positive experience will pave the way for continued success in the future. “The future of our U23 men’s soccer team is bright and promising. We’re committed to bridging the gap between youth and collegiate levels by providing top-level training, competitive matches, and development opportunities. This winter, we will integrate top youth players with our U23 squad to ensure seamless progression and continuous improvement. We’ll challenge our players by adjusting our game schedule and participating in leagues that push them to their highest potential. We are excited to grow this program and support the development of our U23s.” — Danny Bills, Chief of Soccer Operations and Co-Head Coach
Aaron Nagel
Jul 30 2024
Aaron Nagel
Jul 30 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
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.
