Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer

What influence has soccer had in your life?

Over the course of my life, soccer has been so much more than just a game. It has taught me so many lessons, and I cannot attribute anything to my success more than this sport. First, it has given me a sense of purpose more than anything ever could. After a hard day at school, or when dealing with stress, I always know that as soon as my feet touch the pitch, none of that matters. The ability to have this escape, whether it’s working hard at practice, or competing in a game, Is an indescribable feeling. Along with this, soccer has also taught me a lot about hard work. I have begun to understand how important consistency, and repetition truly is. The small amounts of work that you put in everyday might not seem significant to start, but over the course of weeks, months, and even years, this hard work all adds up and you begin to see progress. Lastly, soccer has taught me a great deal about friendship, and connections. The effort that you put into creating a good team environment has life long effects on all of the players, including myself.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe that my hard work, and my commitment to this sport, led me to be nominated.
(As well as my amazing family who nominated me!!)

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

My favorite part about playing for the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer club are the ECNL tournaments that we are able to attend. Having the privilege to travel, explore new places, and being able to play for my club in another state is such a memorable experience, and is by far the most enjoyable part of playing for the Rapids.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being the starting goalkeeper on my high school soccer team since my freshman year, and being named captain my junior year. Taking on these leadership positions has allowed me to become a well rounded person, and I really enjoy creating these special relationships with my teammates and coaches.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

Academically, my biggest accomplishment has been my focus on my grades, and the amazing classes that I have been able to take because of that. This year, I am taking the brand new AP African American Studies course, and it has been beyond eye opening for me. I believe that taking hard classes has led me to have a more expansive view of the world, and also challenges me to manage multiple things at once.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

I believe that my teammates would describe me as kind, chatty, positive, and committed. I really enjoy bringing a positive and lighthearted energy to the game, while also being able to channel that into intensity in high stakes moments, especially during games and practice. I always try lift up others, while also challenging my teammates so we can all succeed together.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

During my Junior year of high school, I created a club called Niwot Women’s Sports Collective. (NWSC).

The goal of this club is to create a more supportive environment for the girls who play sports at my school, and create awareness for women’s sports overall in our community. While women’s sports is becoming more popular, It often gets put on the back burner when it comes to financial and physical support. (Such as people attending the games) The purpose of this club is to end the stigma of girls sports being secondary, and get people to support no matter their affiliation with the sport themselves.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

My favorite soccer player is Tim Howard, and my favorite teams are The Colorado Rapids, and the US Women’s National Team.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

In my future, I would like to play soccer in college, study politics, help my community in anyway that I can, and build new relationships. I am very interested in learning new things, and I definitely want to continue being curious after high school.

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

My biggest inspiration throughout my career has been Tim Howard. (Former Colorado Rapids Goalkeeper.)

The reason he is my idol is because of his hard work, his talent, and his character. While he is one of the most amazing goalkeepers ever, and was incredibly skilled, he has such a humbleness to him that many famous athletes do not have. I appreciate the way he views the world, other people, and his overall respect for the people around him. I was fortunate enough to meet him in person, and I have never met a more kind person, and I definitely hope to continue emulating that as well.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

Some things I enjoy include reading, being in involved in my community, working out/going to the gym, spending quality time with the people I love, and watching soccer.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

As the fall season reaches its midpoint for many of our teams and concludes for our recreation teams, it’s a natural time for players, parents, and coaches to take stock — to look at how far we’ve come, what we’ve learned, and where we can keep growing.

After September’s focus on joy and attacking creativity, October shifts the spotlight toward ownership, accountability, and defending together as one team.

Across all programs, we’re connecting three key themes that build complete players and stronger teams:

• Player Assessments – Turning reflection into growth
• Responsibility & Initiative (Key Quality) – Owning the development journey
• Our Defending Game Model – Playing with compactness, communication, and collective control

These threads work together to help every player take charge of their own learning while strengthening how we perform together on the field. Our learning themes this month reinforce that development is not linear; it’s a cycle of planning, doing, and reflecting. By embracing this process, we empower players to take charge of their own journey while strengthening their ability to compete, recover, and adapt as the season unfolds.

Midseason check-ins are more than progress reports — they’re opportunities to help players think about their own growth.

When coaches and players reflect together using our Key Qualities (KQs) framework, we focus on effort, learning, and mindset — not just results.

For Players:

• Reflect on what you’ve improved and what you’re still working toward.
• Think about how your Key Qualities — like Responsibility, Learning Ability, and Competitive Mentality — show up in training and games.
• Set one small goal for the next month.
• Use these documents to help guide your reflections:
  • Key Qualities Checklist-Feedback Form – Rising Rapids
  • Key Qualities Checklist-Feedback Form – Competitive
  • Key Qualities Checklist-Feedback Form – National Platforms

For Coaches:

• Use short, intentional check-ins to connect with each player.
• Ask open-ended questions that encourage self-assessment:

“What are you most proud of so far?”
“What’s one thing you want to do better next week?”

• Link the player’s reflection to their learning plan or position profile.
• Want to go deeper? Try an ElevatED Micro-Course

For Parents:

• Encourage reflection at home: “What did you learn today?”
• Celebrate effort and curiosity, not just outcomes.
• Support your child’s goals and remind them that growth takes time.

CRYSC Key Message: Development is a continuous cycle — assess, plan, act, and reflect. Progress happens through consistent effort and honest reflection.

If reflection helps players understand where they are, Responsibility & Initiative helps them decide where they’re going.

This Key Quality emphasizes personal accountability — taking action, making decisions, and leading with purpose.

For Players:

• Take ownership of your preparation — show up ready and focused.
• Lead small moments: warm-ups, transitions, team huddles.
• Ask for feedback and take the initiative to apply it.

For Coaches:

• Create a player-centered environment that challenges athletes to think and act independently.
• Replace commands with questions — guide players to find solutions.
• Reinforce that leadership can look different for everyone: some lead vocally, others through effort or consistency.

For Parents:

• Encourage responsibility off the field — getting gear ready, managing schedules, reflecting after games.
• Recognize when your player shows initiative, even in small ways.

CRYSC Message: Responsibility and initiative build confidence. When players take charge of their own actions, they grow as people and as teammates.

Defending is where reflection and responsibility come alive.

When the team loses the ball, every player has a job to do — staying compact, communicating, and recovering together. Defending isn’t just about stopping goals; it’s about creating organization, discipline, and unity.

Our Game Idea:

When out of possession, we aim to make play predictable and win the ball back as early and as high up the field as possible. We control space, deny penetration, and stay connected.

For Players:

• Remember our cue: “When one goes, all go.”
• Stay connected — if you can’t see your teammate, you’re too far.
• Take pride in defensive effort and communication — they’re team skills.

For Coaches:

• Design activities that emphasize shape, spacing, and compactness.
• Praise collective defending moments, not just individual tackles.
• Ask: “How did our shape help us win the ball back faster?”

For Parents:

• Notice and celebrate defensive teamwork — when players work together to regain control.
• Reinforce the idea that good defending starts with effort, focus, and trust.

CRYSC Message: Compactness is our collective defensive identity. Defending together builds connection, resilience, and pride in the team.

October connects reflection, responsibility, and resilience — three traits that drive both soccer success and life success.

When players pause to assess, take initiative to improve, and defend together, they’re developing habits that last beyond the game.

Key Reminders:

• Players: Reflect deeply. Take responsibility. Defend together.
• Coaches: Guide reflection and empower ownership.
• Parents: Support effort and encourage curiosity.

Let’s finish the season strong by staying organized, accountable, and relentless — both on and off the field.

“Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through awareness, accountability, and consistent action.”

— Zac Crawford, Chief Technical Director, Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) serves approximately 10,000 players ages three through 19, beginner to elite, in year-round leagues, camps, and tournaments. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CRYSC has been named a top 15 youth soccer club in the U.S. by Soccerwire and the top youth soccer club in Colorado by Colorado Parent Magazine. CRYSC’s mission is to provide an environment where young soccer players from diverse backgrounds are guided and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

One of the six Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating Player is the ability to learn, adapt, and apply knowledge. Developing Learning Ability means helping players:

• Stay open to feedback and reflection
• Transfer skills across activities and games
• Show curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving
• Take ownership of their improvement

The Key Qualities are core attributes that we use as a lens to observe, develop, and support our players. These qualities help us understand not just how players perform in training sessions, games, or even at tryouts and kickarounds, but also how they learn and grow over time.

We integrate these Key Qualities throughout the year to help players self-regulate their own learning experience. For example, we encourage players to reflect on their progress using various documents and tools we’ve provided. The goal is to help them tap into their learning ability and become better learners, which ultimately accelerates their development. When players actively engage in this process, they can grow and improve at a much faster pace.

We use these Key Qualities not just to evaluate players, but to guide them in becoming more aware of their own learning process. This might happen through regular check-ins, goal-setting sessions, or reflective exercises that are shared below. By weaving these qualities into the fabric of our coaching, we help players see learning as an ongoing journey.

Learning ability is essentially a player’s capacity to absorb new information, adapt, and apply what they’ve learned. It’s about helping players become self-driven learners who can reflect on their experiences and continuously improve.

To foster this, we use a few straightforward methods:

• Reflection Tools: Encourage players to use journals or reflection prompts after sessions to think about what they learned.
• Goal-Setting: Have players set small, achievable goals and revisit them regularly to track their own progress.
• Feedback Loops: Create a culture of constructive feedback where players feel comfortable asking questions and receiving guidance.

For a Rising Rapids player, learning ability might look like simply beginning to understand how to reflect on their own play and identify one or two things they did well. At the Competitive level, it could mean players are more actively setting goals and engaging in self-assessment. And for a National Platform player, learning ability is about sophisticated self-regulation—using detailed feedback, adjusting their own performance, and mentoring peers.
Players who develop strong learning ability become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. As coaches, our role is to ask good questions, provide clear feedback, and create space for players to reflect on their decisions and growth.

1. Ask Questions During Training: Players can show their learning ability by asking thoughtful questions about drills, tactics, or feedback. This shows they’re actively engaged and eager to understand more deeply.
2. Set Personal Goals Each Session: Encourage players to set one or two small goals for each training or game—like improving a specific skill or focusing on a particular aspect of their play—and then review how they did afterward.
3. Reflect After Games: After matches, players can write down or share one thing they learned and one thing they want to improve next time. This simple act of reflection helps solidify their learning.
4. Give Peer Feedback: Players can practice giving positive, constructive feedback to teammates. By articulating what they see, they reinforce their own understanding and help others learn too.
5. Adapt Based on Feedback: Show their learning ability by applying coach feedback quickly—whether it’s adjusting their positioning, trying a new technique, or changing their approach in the next drill or game scenario.

1. Model Reflective Practice: Show players how to reflect by doing it yourself. Share your own reflections on what went well in a session and what could be improved, so they see that learning is a continuous process for everyone.
2. Provide Guided Reflection Prompts: Give players specific questions to think about after a practice or game, like, “What did you learn today that you didn’t know before?” or “What’s one thing you want to try differently next time?”
3. Encourage Peer Teaching: Let players occasionally explain a concept or demonstrate a skill to their teammates. Teaching others is a great way for players to deepen their own understanding.
4. Set Individual Learning Goals: Work with players to set personalized learning goals that align with their developmental stage and track their progress together. Celebrate when they meet those goals!
5. Create a Safe Space for Questions: Foster an environment where questions are welcomed and curiosity is encouraged. When players feel safe to ask questions, they’re more likely to engage deeply with their own learning.

One powerful way to deepen players’ learning ability is by fostering autonomy support. It’s not just about telling players what to do; it’s about giving them the “why” behind it. When coaches explain the rationale behind decisions or encourage players to ask each other questions, it puts players in the driver’s seat of their own learning.

For instance, instead of always having players answer directly to the coach, you can have them turn and talk to each other. Maybe at halftime, you ask the backline to reflect on their first-half performance together, while the midfielders and forwards do the same. This way, they’re co-creating solutions and really taking ownership of their own learning process.

• Player-Led Reflection: Use these after training, games, or as weekly check-ins:
  • “What did you learn today that you didn’t know before?”
  • “What was one moment you’re proud of?”
  • “If you could replay one moment, what would you do differently?”
  • “What was most fun about today?”
  • “What’s one thing you want to work on next time?”
• Player-Led Goal Setting: Simple format for setting micro-goals before training or games:
  • This week, I want to work on:
  • I’ll know I improved if:
  • One way my coach/teammates can support me is:

Goal: Encourage revisiting goals weekly and celebrating effort, not just results.

• Peer-to-Peer Reflection Questions: Ask these questions in pairs or small groups after an activity:
  • “What did your teammate do well in that moment?”
  • “What decision would you make if you were in their shoes?”
  • “What made that successful (or not)?”

Goal: Build reflection into pauses and transitions — not just the end.

• Coach Check-In Questions (Mid-Season or Monthly): Use in 1-on-1 or group chats:
  • “What’s one thing you’ve improved on since the start of the season?”
  • “What’s been your biggest challenge lately?”
  • “What do you think you need to keep growing?”
  • “What’s something you’re curious about in your position/team role?”

Connect: Helps players connect reflection to growth — and opens space for feedback.

• Normalize failure as part of growth
• Respond to mistakes with curiosity, not criticism
• Encourage quiet reflection time (not always verbal)
• Give players space to write or draw their thoughts if verbal processing isn’t ideal

Outcome: Learning ability grows when players feel safe, supported, and challenged.

Parents play a big role in nurturing a child’s learning ability, and it often starts with the kinds of questions they ask after games and practices. Instead of just asking, “Did you win?” or “Did you score?”—which focus on outcomes the player can’t always control—parents can ask questions that put the emphasis on learning and enjoyment.

Some great questions include, “What did you learn today?” and “What was the most fun part?” These are open-ended and encourage kids to share their experiences in more detail. When parents actively listen to these answers, they can help reinforce those positive elements. It’s a great way to make sure that the environment continues to meet the child’s needs for both fun and development.

Additional Ways Parents Can Foster Learning Ability

1. Provide a Reflection Journal: Give your child a small notebook or journal where they can jot down what they learned after each practice or game. This helps them build a habit of reflection and track their own growth over time.
2. Watch Soccer Together: Spend time watching a game with your child and talking about what you both notice. Ask them questions about what they see and what they think the players are doing, which can boost their game understanding and critical thinking.
3. Backyard Practice Time: Simply spend some time in the yard or at the park kicking the ball around together. This not only helps them practice skills, but also shows that you’re interested in their development and enjoy spending that time with them.
4. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Praise your child for the effort they put into learning something new, rather than just the outcome of a game. This reinforces a growth mindset and the value of learning itself.

Key Qualities-Learning Lines-progression of competencies across programs
Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating Player- Rising Rapids
Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating Player- Competitive
Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating Player- Tiers 1-3

Want to go deeper? Try an ElevatED Micro-Course

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) serves approximately 10,000 players ages three through 19, beginner to elite, in year-round leagues, camps, and tournaments. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CRYSC has been named a top 15 youth soccer club in the U.S. by Soccerwire and the top youth soccer club in Colorado by Colorado Parent Magazine. CRYSC’s mission is to provide an environment where young soccer players from diverse backgrounds are guided and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

What influence has soccer had in your life?

One of the most significant influences in my life has been soccer, which has taught me passion, perseverance, and teamwork. The game served as a reminder to me of the value of patience and perseverance, both on and off the field, after a demanding year of recovery.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe I was nominated for my hard work and determination after recovering from a long term injury. I never let myself give up or loose sight of soccer even when my recovery process was filled with obstacles.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

Within Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club, what I enjoy most is my team and the community I am surrounded by. I have received nothing but support from coaches, directors, and especially my team, and for that I am incredibly grateful. The environment within Rapids Youth Soccer Club is what motivates me to continue to play and improve every single day.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my ability to play after undergoing three major hip surgeries, and prior hip injuries before my surgeries. Furthermore, this award is a tremendous honor because around one year ago I was in a very different place. This award recognizes my hard work, recovery, and focus on health. It means so much that my coaches and staff continue to support me.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

I have earned 2 academic letters from my freshman and sophomore year. Despite having 2 major hip surgeries during the Sophomore year, and having to switch to home school for a period of time, I still maintained high GPA.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

My teammates would describe me as a hard working, motivated, and grateful person.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

With regards to community involvement, I have volunteered 25+ hours at Sanchez International Elementary school in their reading scholars program. Through this experience I have helped 4th and 5th graders with their reading and writing. During this, I realized the importance of giving back to others and connecting with kids in our community.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

My favorite player currently is Lamine Yamal.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

I hope to continue my career in soccer and play in college. I look to go to a law school and obtain a degree in law. I would also love to travel the world and explore new places.

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

Joey Vella (Rapids Goalkeeper Coach) has been my biggest inspiration within soccer. I have known him a very long time and he has always pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the field. Without him I would not be where I am at today, or the person I am. In this past year, he has visited me in the hospital, constantly checked in, helped with my return to play, and stayed part of my life through this whole process.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

When I am not on the soccer field, I love traveling, hiking, and spending time with my loved ones.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

If you have any questions about these trips or would like more information, please reach out to CRYSC Director of International Travel, Jeff Oleck, at [email protected] or 303.834.7328

What influence has soccer had in your life?

Soccer has had a great influence on my life it’s has taught me to do better in school, have patience with others, and to have a never give up attitude.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe I was nominated this award for showing leadership on and off the field as well as being a hardworking individual.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

The things I enjoy the most about playing for CRYSC is the positive mentors that teach me many valuable lessons and having a family like bond between me and my teammates.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

The soccer accomplishment I am most proud is my soccer team making it to nationals and not losing one game.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

A academic achievement I am most proud of is being in a high level French class.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

My teammates would describe me as strong, communicative, and encouraging.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

A story that shows my exemplary character is the time I volunteered to plant trees in an area that was a victim of a forest fire also I volunteered for setting up an adoption for farm animals.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

My favorite soccer team is Colorado Rapids.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

In the future I want to peruse a major in biology during college while still chasing my soccer dreams.

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

The person who inspires me the most is my older sister Lillian. She has shown me thatit is possible to play high level soccer while still achieving my academic goals.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

Outside of the CRYSC you can find me enjoying traveling with my family, Reading, Mountain activities as well as hanging out with my close friends.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.