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U18 Nike Girls Crowned National Champions
(07.27.08)
Saving the very best for last, the 18 Nike Girls defeated Sting out of Dallas, Texas 3-0. Not only is this the biggest title of this team’s career, but it may literally have been their best performance as well. With absolute class, thought and professionalism, the Rush girls dominated throughout the match and out played their opponent for 90 minutes. Danielle Foxhoven scored in the 63rd and 68th minute, and Brittany Kerridge solidified the title with a goal in the 78th minute. Stay tuned for more.
Please click here to view video of the Rush: then look for “National Champions, Andromeda and Colorado Rush, Crowned” as well as “Championships Update – Sunday”.
Foxhoven and Tribbett Receive Individual Awards at Nationals
(07.27.08)
The phrase “team effort” could not be more accurate for the 18 Nike Girls’ championship run, but not to be missed were a couple wonderful performances within the team. Danielle Foxhoven was awarded the Golden Boot for being the tournament’s MVP and Krissy Tribbett was given the Golden Glove for being the tournament’s top goal keeper. Danielle scored six goals in four games, including two in the finals and Krissy kept a clean sheet in three out of the four games, including the final. Congratulations to both of them.
Four U18 Nike Girls in Top 200 National Recruits
(06.15.08) Congratulations to Kate Russell, Emmalie Pfankuch, Brittany Kerridge and Danielle Foxhoven for being recognized as four of the top 200 recruits from across the country. Kate was voted in the top 200 (no specific numbers were given prior to 50 but players were grouped) and will be attending University of Colorado in the fall. Emmalie was in the top 75 and will be attending storied University of North Carolina. Brittany was number 49 and will be attending the University of Southern California (current national champions) and Danielle came in at number 15 in the country! Danielle will be at power house University of Portland in the fall. Congratulations and good luck to all of them.
Another congratulations to Brittany and Danielle who were both voted as Parade All-Americans!
Amanda Collins 5A MVP and State Champion
(05.20.08) Grandview High School is Colorado’s 5A State Champion thanks to Amanda Collins and her deadly strike with just three minutes remaining in the title match against Heritage. Collins, a member of the U18 Nike Girls team, is always a tireless work horse, and on this night it was no different. After out working everybody in the midfield, she had enough energy, skill, thought and fortitude to cleverly beat the Heritage defense and uncork a left footed screamer to secure the championship trophy for her school. Congratulation to Amanda!
Kate Russell 4A MVP and State Champion
(05.20.08) Not to be outdone by her U18 Nike Girls teammate, Kate Russell put on a bit of a magic show herself. Instead of scoring with three minutes to go in the second half to win, Kate scored just three minutes into the second half and her goal held up to be the lone goal and game winner. The goal was an absolute rip from over 20 yards away after beating a few players en route to getting off the well hit, low, hard shot to the far post. The excellent goal was justly deserved as Russell completely dominated her opponent, Niwot High School. Kate’s performance was one of the most dominant performances by an individual in any high school game, let alone a championship match. Wonderful job Kate! Congratulations also go to Jacy Drobne, who helped Kate control the center of the midfield. Jacy is a member of our U16 Nike Girls team.
Pfankuch Honored with Athlete of the Week
Emmalie Phankuch, member of the U18 Nike Girls was recently honored as Athlete of the Week by The Fort Collins Coloradoan and Coloradoan.com. Pfankuch (Pfanny) has committed to the storied program at University of North Carolina and will be off to Chapel Hill in the fall. Please read more about Pfanny on the U18 Nike Girls team page and to view her write up in The Coloradoan, please click here.
U18 Nike Girls Blazing New Trail
March 21, 2008 - Paolo DelPiccolo, current U18 Boys Academy Player, referred to “his” team last fall as the Rush Crusaders. Only one problem with Paolo’s team, it was only him. Paolo chose to train with the club (U18 Girls, Men’s Team, etc.) last season rather than participate in his high school program which he had always supported (and still does). Crusader by definition (dictionary.com) means: any vigorous, aggressive movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc. Paolo, who was only just recently called into the U18 and then U20 Men’s National Team, has now affectionately referred to the current U18 Nike Girls as “the” Rush Crusaders. Why? As a team, they have chosen to bypass their final season of high school soccer to focus on becoming the best players they can possibly be.
People must know that this was not an easy choice; however, it was a choice. Players were given options to continue playing soccer in high school, club or both. All three options were chosen, depending on the player, with the majority choosing to play club only. Other teams have considered it, and some coaches in other clubs have tried to mandate it. Yet, for optimal success (in anything), the individuals must want it for themselves. Of the sixteen players currently on this Nike team, only one, Emily Lybarger, has chosen to play high school only and with fair reason. Emily lives in Vail. Her commitment has been excellent over the past two years, and she has earned the right to not drive down the mountain four times a week for awhile. Nevertheless, she is still very much a part of our team. Of the fifteen remaining players, four are playing high school simultaneously with club soccer. Two of those are giving club soccer priority, which means they will attend all high school games possible but will put club first if there are other conflicts. Eleven of the girls have chosen to play full-time with the club. Not to be forgotten, three of the sixteen Nike Girls are also taking the path less traveled and playing club soccer only.
This group of players did not select the easier option. That is for sure. The Rush Crusaders’ spring season started the third week of January (three weeks after winning the Disney Showcase). There are multiple components to the training plan that has been put together for these young athletes:
1. Training: This schedule will require the girls to train three times per week.
2. Games: Once a week the girls will play in their own league against boy’s teams.
3. Research Project: Each player must complete this, plus follow up throughout the season.
4. Game Observation: The team will watch games with learning in mind, not just as fans.
5. Video Analysis: Players will evaluate and analyze games, continuing the education theme.
6. Fitness Component: Not your daddy’s wind sprints; the program integrates full body fitness done twice weekly.
7. Tournaments: The girls will attend a minimum of two and possibly three events prior to season’s end, rewarding the team for their work in addition to that of the league games. (The team just returned from Las Vegas as victors of the Las Vegas College Showcase tournament.)
8. Coaching: Players will participate in team coaching as well as our School of Excellence program.
9. Community Service: The girls will help with our Thunder (Special Needs Kids) program or other community, club or outside volunteering to give back.
So it is easy to see the path less traveled is likely not the easiest of trails to pursue. This is the first of several stories to be told about these fine crusaders and the path they are blazing. Will there be others to follow? Time will tell, and so will the experiences of these athletes. They will have the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of their decision. Please visit this page again for a weekly update.
(02.07.08)
The National Letter of Intent Signing Day for seniors was Wednesday, February 6 and the Colorado Rush was fortunate to be able to share the day with their student-athletes.
Click here to read more!
Click here to watch a video of the event!
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PLAYER PROFILES
Allen, Annabelle
Akerfelds, Mackenzie
Armijo, Ariel
Browne, Kelly
Clark, Christine
Collins, Amanda
Foxhoven, Danielle
Hanson, Savanna
Kennedy, Morgan
Kerridge, Brittany
LyBarger, Emily
Marsh, Haley
Martinez, Katie
Newlin, Kelci
Pfankuch, Emmalie
Russell, Kate
Steiner, Amy
Tooley, Annie
Tribbett, Krissy
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