July 21, 2021

Going Through Tryouts – The Parents Perspective

Continuing with our Monthly Educational Campaign around Tryouts, Chris P. -Rush Soccer Development Director- spoke with Rush Parents from Virginia Beach, Kansas and New Mexico. In this discussion, parents shared their feelings on how to survive and thrive through tryouts and how they can support their children.

This is the second part of our Monthly Campaign. Previously, Chris P. hosted an amazing Webinar with Rush Players. Click  HERE  to Watch and/or Read!

We could say that we, as coaches, always focus on our players, since they are the protagonists of the game. During the Tryouts, we want them to be able to enjoy and perform in the best way, without losing the possibility of having fun with their teammates and friends. But  many times we leave aside another fundamental part of the process: parents .

As we go through the Tryouts period again, we wanted to hear from Rush’s parents about this process, how the kids cope, and how to improve the experience for all parties involved.

Chris P. , Rush Soccer’s Developmental Director, had a great conversation with wonderful Rush parents, in which they discussed Tryouts and the possibility of improving the process for kids, parents and coaches.  Watch below!

During the discussion, parents shared that  they experienced anxiety and felt uneasy as they didn’t know what team their child would be on  and who would integrate the parent group. That is why Jenny Mick, from Kansas Rush, tried to stay involved: “I feel very anxious through the process of tryouts so I volunteer for registration at Kansas Rush tryouts, this helps me stay connected”.

“ Having open and honest conversations with coaches all year long is key to a successful tryout  for the upcoming season”, Antonia Bynum from New Mexico added. Antonia and Daylon explained that they also model the behaviours they want their children to show by keeping a positive mindset and attitude.

Echoing what Rush Players told Chris P. during the previous Webinar, some parents suggested that  clubs should communicate clearly and let parents know whether their child was in the top, middle or lowest third of the team, giving parents an idea of where the player stands . James Mick from Kansas thought ‘as players get older it is key for them to know where they stand and the pecking order on the team so the player can drive the process’.

Chris P. received some wonderful ideas and suggestions, but there’s one that emerged above all:  Communication is key as well as consistency on feedback and continuing our relationships, so there is transparency on both sides .

Parents went on to share their favorite Rush memories towards the end of the conversation and they gave us some goosebump moments. We’d like to hear from other parents your ideas on what we can do to improve tryouts/placements as well as your favorite memories!

Coastal Rush - Goalkeeper Camp with Ben Munger

By Lucas Sampaio • May 6, 2025
We are excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for goalkeeper development led by Ben Munger, current Assistant Coach at the University of Texas women's soccer program! About Coach Ben Ben Munger brings outstanding credentials and expertise to our local keepers. Currently serving as an Assistant Coach at the University of Texas, Coach Munger has specialized in goalkeeper development throughout his coaching career. Under his guidance at Texas, the Longhorns set program records with six consecutive clean sheets and goalkeepers have earned conference honors and championship recognition. Prior to Texas, Coach Munger's impressive coaching resume includes: Assistant Coach at Samford University where he mentored All-Conference goalkeeper Morgan McAslan Goalkeeper Coach at UAB where he developed Conference USA Goalkeeper of the Year Kelsey Daugherty Assistant Coach at Akron where he coached MAC All-Freshman Team goalkeeper Amani Jiu Coach Munger was also an accomplished goalkeeper himself, earning USA South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors during his playing career at Maryville College, where he ranked third nationally in NCAA Division III in save percentage. Registration Information Date: May 14th Sessions: We are offering 2 sessions that are 1 hour each. Each session would be capped at 6 goalkeepers to ensure quality. Cost: ONLY $50 per player Age Groups: Birth Years 2012-2015: 5pm – 6pm Birth Years 2008-2011: 6:15pm – 7:15pm Location: Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex Registration is now open! Please follow this link to register your goalkeeper for this valuable training opportunity: https://system.gotsport.com/programs/57612N362 Space is limited, so we encourage you to register promptly to secure your spot. With Coastal Rush's commitment to player development and providing pathways to collegiate opportunities, we're thrilled to bring Coach Munger's expertise to our club. This camp aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality training and development for our players. We look forward to seeing your goalkeeper at this special training event!

Coastal Rush ECNL-RL Assignments 25/26

By Lucas Sampaio • April 27, 2025
Introducing the Coastal Rush Coaching Staff for 2025-2026 Coastal Rush is excited to announce our coaching staff for the upcoming season. Our team brings together experienced professionals dedicated to developing young talent and advancing our players to the next level. ECNL-RL Assignments: Boys: 2013 Boys - Ryan Goldsmith 2012 Boys - Kyle Sealy 2011 Boys - Kyle Sealy 2010 Boys - Dean Logan 2009 Boys - Dean Logan 07/08 Boys - Peter Fuller Girls: 2013 Girls - Michael Munoz 2012 Girls - Chandler Castleman 2011 Girls - Bert Gatica 2010 Girls - Rob Simon 2009 Girls - Rob Simon 07/08 Girls - Austin King Leadership Team: Sporting Director: Bill Elliott Registrar: Whitney Sumrall Coastal Rush Program Director: Kyle Sealy Managing Director: John Guidroz Support Staff: Girls Program Advisor: Joe Bartlinski FL Girls College Placement Advisor: Jason Providence FL Boys College Placement Advisor: Felipe Lawall AL College Placement Advisor: Nick Cooper Pre-ECNL Director: Michael Munoz Goalkeeper Director: Rudy Seelman Our coaching staff is committed to providing the highest quality training and development opportunities for our Coastal Rush players. Together, our leadership team and support staff work to create an environment where players can achieve their full potential both on and off the field. If your interested in tryout out for a Coastal Rush team go here 

Coastal Rush Joins Gulf Coast ECNL-RL League for 2025–26 Season

By Lucas Sampaio • April 14, 2025
We’re excited to announce that Coastal Rush will be moving from the Florida ECNL Regional League to the Gulf Coast ECNL RL for the upcoming 2025–26 season. Over the past two years in the Florida ECNL-RL, our program has recorded over 200 victories, earned multiple state championships, and developed dozens of players now on the path to collegiate opportunities. We are incredibly proud of what our players, coaches, and families have achieved during this period. The Directors and Leadership team at Florida Club League have been outstanding and we appreciate all their leadership and support! This move to the Gulf Coast RL is a strategic decision that will benefit our players and families in multiple ways: 1. Improved Travel and Geographic Efficiency: The newly formed Gulf Coast division of ECNL RL includes clubs that are closer in proximity to Coastal Rush, reducing the burden of travel for families and allowing for more efficient scheduling. We expect this change to save our families thousands in travel costs. 2. Continued Access to Top-Level Competition: This division resembles the old NPL, however, it has been strengthened by the removal of lower-tier teams and the addition and/or growth of several top-level clubs. These changes should create a new and challenging environment for our players and coaches. 3. National League Showcase Access: ECNL has informed Coastal Rush that, in addition to attending Regional League showcases as we have done in the past, we have earned access to National League showcases for the 25/26 season. Also, ECNL leadership has indicated that we can expect an invitation to participate in the ECNL-RL Leaders Cup. (a new competition for the nation’s top-performing RL clubs) Coastal Rush will continue to ensure our older teams participate in high-level college recruiting events. NOTE: Coastal Rush has had over 80 players sign for college in the last 2 Seasons. 4. Stronger Alignment with ECNL Structure: ECNL has informed Coastal Rush that the Gulf Coast division better aligns our club for potential future promotion into the National League as ECNL expansion continues. While the league changes, our goals remain the same: to develop top-level talent, provide meaningful competition, and prepare our players for collegiate and beyond. We are grateful to our families, coaches, and partners for their ongoing support. We can’t wait for this next chapter in the Coastal Rush journey! Stay tuned for tryout dates, updated match schedules, and more info coming soon. You can visit the links below to see how our Coastal Teams are currently performing in the Florida RL League. Coastal Rush Current ECNL-RL Standings Season 2024/2025: Boys Current Standing Girls Current Standing For more information on our 2025/2025 tryouts, please visit the link below where you can also submit any questions for the upcoming season.
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