Iowa Rush News

VSA Rush Launches Unified 13U–19U Select Team Structure

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:48:50 GMT

VSA Rush launches 13U-19U unified team structure

[Des Moines, IA] — VSA Rush is pleased to announce an expanded collaboration for players in the 13U-19U select programs and additional playing opportunities for players entering 4th and 5th grades (11U-12U age groups) for the 2026-27 season in collaboration with Vision Soccer Academy (VSA) and Iowa Rush Soccer Club.

Building on a successful partnership to create top teams for boys and girls at the 13U-19U age groups, the two clubs are coming together to further VSA Rush’s mission to build people through the game of soccer and are creating additional soccer opportunities for young people within our communities.

PURPOSE OF COLLABORATION
VSA Rush has listened to families from within the club’s membership and this additional collaboration brings a more cohesive development environment to benefit players sooner in our soccer pathway. There are several benefits that will reflect positively in our communities and schools.

VSA Rush is committed to helping student-athletes realize the lifelong benefits of participation in soccer. Well-documented research shows that sport participation enhances physical health through improved fitness and disease prevention, supports mental well-being by reducing stress and building confidence, and fosters social development through teamwork, leadership, and meaningful relationships—all while nurturing a love for competition.

At VSA Rush, intentional coaching and mentorship ensure these benefits extend beyond the field, equipping athletes with lasting life skills such as discipline, time management, resilience, and accountability. Together, these attributes contribute to stronger academic performance and prepare young athletes for success in sport, school, and life.

"While Iowa Rush continues to serve the community of Ankeny, our partnership with VSA has really allowed us to follow our mission of giving all players a place to play by providing national level platforms within our pathway at VSA Rush. This progressive next step provides and maintains growth and competition," said Kirk Artist, Executive Director of Iowa Rush Soccer Club.

"By expanding our VSA Rush collaboration, we are ensuring all our select athletes have the best possible environment to develop their skills and can continue to develop their passion for the game," added Carlos Acebey, Executive Director of Vision Soccer Academy. "This unified approach allows us to deliver on our core mission of building exceptional people both on and off the field."

Through this collaboration, VSA and Iowa Rush will be able to provide players access to higher standards of competition at younger age groups, allow advanced players to train and compete together earlier and create a smoother transition into the already established VSA Rush programming for players in middle school and high school.

Looking Ahead
This collaboration represents a strategic step forward for both Vision Soccer Academy and Iowa Rush Soccer Club by continuing to strengthen a shared player pathway, while aligning with national competition standards and upholding a commitment to long-term player development.

Additional details regarding this announcement can be found on the VSA Rush website, specifically on the FAQ page . Additional details such as program structure, tryouts, staffing, uniforms, and pricing will be released in the coming months.

About

Vision Soccer Academy and Iowa Rush Soccer Club have a shared history of developing players in a professional, competitive and growth-focused environment. This expanded collaboration under the VSA Rush brand, reflects a unified vision for excellence in youth soccer and developing people through the game of soccer.

For more information, please visit:

www.vsarush.com

www.iowarush.com

www.visionsocceracademy.com

Contacts

Kirk Artist, Executive Director - Iowa Rush Soccer Club

kirkartist@iowarush.com

Carlos Acebey, Executive Director - Vision Soccer Academy

executivedirector@visionsocceracademy.com

Core Value Player: March 2026

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:14:36 GMT

Core Value Player of the month: March 2026

Congratulations to our March Core Value Player of the Month — Talon Reinhart!

Talon Reinhart plays on the Iowa Rush North 2012/13 Boys team and embodies this month's core value of Empathy!

Talon is always encouraging his teammates and is supportive of all our programs and teams. Thank you, Talon, for leading by example. Your big heart and positive attitude make our entire club family better!

Apex Soccer Academy and Iowa Rush Soccer Club Unite to Strengthen Player Development

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:12:55 GMT

Apex Soccer Academy and Iowa Rush Soccer Club Unite to Strengthen Player Development

Apex Soccer Academy and Iowa Rush Soccer Club have announced a new partnership, effective March 1, 2026, designed to enhance long-term player development while maintaining stability for players, families, teams, staff, and the local community.

Both clubs share a strong commitment to player-centered development, community values, and sustainable club growth. This partnership ensures continuity for Apex families while creating new opportunities through alignment with the broader Iowa Rush and VSA Rush organizations.

During the Spring 2026 season, all Apex teams will continue to operate as usual. Coaches, team structures, league participation, and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. A gradual integration with Iowa Rush will begin with the 2026–27 seasonal year, including tryouts and club branding updates. At that time, the club name will transition to Apex Rush.

“This partnership is about building on what already works while providing a stronger pathway for our players and coaches,” said Kirk Artist, Executive Director of Iowa Rush. “Apex Soccer Academy has done an excellent job serving the Warren County area, and we are excited to support that foundation with additional resources, development opportunities, and national connectivity through the Rush Soccer network.”

Members of Apex Soccer Academy will gain access to the benefits of the larger Rush Soccer organization, including expanded player development frameworks, coaching education, curriculum alignment, and national-level programming—while preserving the familiar local environment that families value.

“This partnership allows Apex to grow without losing its identity,” said Tim Hugunin, Executive Director of Apex Soccer Academy. “Our players and families will continue to experience the same teams, coaches, and culture they trust, while gaining access to the added advantages and long-term stability that come with being part of Iowa Rush.”

Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks, including information on town hall meetings, tryouts, and summer programming opportunities.

For now, families can expect that the overall experience will remain largely the same, with the partnership providing meaningful benefits and a clear, thoughtful path forward for Apex Soccer Academy members.

Contacts

Kirk Artist, Executive Director - Iowa Rush Soccer Club
kirkartist@iowarush.com

Tim Hugunin, Executive Director - Apex Soccer Academy
timhugunin@apexrushsoccer.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Core Value Player: February 2026

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:29:27 GMT

Core Value Player of the month: February 2026

Congratulations to our February Core Value Player of the Month — Ayla Mujic!

Ayla is a member of the 2007/08 High School Girls team and embodies our February Core Value of Enjoyment. Ayla always shows up to training and games with the biggest smile on her face. Her positive attitude is contagious and you can always tell she genuinely loves the game of soccer. She is the first to volunteer for drills and looks to take advantage of any extra playing opportunities that are offered!

Congrats Ayla -- we can’t wait to see you keep shining!

Core Value Player: January 2026

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:21:45 GMT

Core Value Player of the month: January 2026

Congrats to Joanna VandeVoort from Iowa Rush South, our December Core Value Player of the Month!

This month’s core value is Unity. Joanna truly embodies this by lifting up her teammates during tough moments, sharing burdens, and demonstrating that with a unified team, all things are possible.

Keep shining, Joanna!

Core Value Player: December 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:56:47 GMT

Core Value Player of the month: December 2025

Congratulations to Will Guess, a member of Iowa Rush South, on being recognized as the Iowa Rush Core Value Player of the Month for exemplifying our core value of Humility! This month’s core value is Humility — Apologize for mistakes and forgive others. Way to go, Will! Thanks for leading by example and showing what true humility looks like every day.

Apex Foundation Bolsters Local Support with Donation to Nama

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:14:50 GMT

The Apex Foundation is proud to announce an $800 donation to the Norwalk Area Ministerial Association (NAMA) , helping fuel the organization’s vital community programs. The funds— a check for $740 that includes a mix of registration fees from the recent Spookout 5v5 Soccer Fest and donations along with $60 cash gift from Apex families—will support NAMA’s wide-reaching initiatives.

From managing the Norwalk Food Pantry, to providing emergency financial assistance, coordinating a Food Rescue program, to hosting seasonal highlights like "Shoe Love" and "Joyful Giving," NAMA serves as a cornerstone of local support.

This Foundation contribution follows a successful summer partnership with Central Iowa Shelter & Services, where the Foundation donated over $750 and dozens of canned goods during its June and July 5v5 tournaments. In addition, dozens of coats were collected for Norwalk Rotary’s warm coat program.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Apex Foundation strives to harness the power of soccer to uplift the community. Beyond its local partnerships, the Foundation remains dedicated to providing player scholarships, financial assistance, coach education, and the development of quality soccer equipment and facilities.

Support Our Mission

Your contributions allow us to continue supporting local families and community partners. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, making your donation fully tax-deductible.

Donate to ASA Foundation’s general fund. Any amount is appreciated!

Support a player with a donation that goes directly to cover a player fee scholarship.

Become a Friend of Apex ($100-$500). Donate here.

Apex Foundation Bolsters Local Support with Donation to Nama

Iowa Rush November Newsletter

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:27:01 GMT

November 2025 Iowa Rush Newsletter

Catch the latest Club Happenings in our November 2025 Newsletter edition!

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Core Value Player: November 2025

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:20:48 GMT

Core Value Player of the month: November 2025

Core Value Player: October 2025

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:32:56 GMT

Core Value Player of the month: October 2025

Congratulations to Charles Kraus, a member of the Iowa Rush North 2012/2013 Boys team, on being recognized as the Iowa Rush Core Value Player of the Month for exemplifying our core value of Accountability. Charles shows up early for every practice and game, and stays behind to do extra work. He sets a great example to the rest of the team and has not allowed anyone to drop standards. Great work Charles!

Iowa Rush Fall Recap

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:59:44 GMT

Iowa Rush Fall Cup Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Rush Fall Cup! We had a record number of teams and expanded our live streaming of games to over 375 games making it the largest tournament in Iowa! Hope to see everyone at the Rush Spring Cup in 2026!

330+

Teams

500+

Games

375+

Live Streams

51 Champions

9U Boys Championship

9U Boys Elite

9U Boys Classic

10U Boys Championship

10U Boys Elite

11U Boys Championship

11U Boys Elite Blue

11U Boys Elite Yellow

11U Boys Classic Blue

11U Boys Classic Yellow

12U Boys Championship

12U Boys Elite Blue

12U Boys Elite Yellow

12U Boys Classic Blue

13U Boys Championships

13U Boys Elite

13U Boys Classic

14U Boys Championship

14U Boys Elite

14U Boys Classic

15U Boys Championship

15U Boys Elite

15U Boys Classic

16U Boys Championship

16U Boys Classic

17U Boys Championship

17U Boys Elite

19U Boys Championship

19U Boys Elite

19U Boys Challenge

Cedar Valley Soccer Club

RFA

Iowa Rush North

UFA DSM

Cedar Valley Soccer Club

RFA

Dakota Alliance Soccer Club

Iowa Rush North

Ames Soccer Club

Gilbert Soccer Club

Vision Soccer Academy

UFA DSM

Vision Soccer Academy

Iowa United FC

RFA

Apex Soccer Academy

AYSO United

Iowa United FC

Ames Soccer Club

Iowa Rush Central

Vision Soccer Academy

UFA DSM

Iowa United FC

UFA DSM

Gretna Elite Academy

Sockers FC

DCG Soccer Club

Des Moines SC

Iowa Rush Central

Northwest Iowa SC

9U Girls Championship

10U Girls Championship

10U Girls Elite

11U Girls Championship

11U Girls Elite

11U Girls Classic

12U Girls Championship

12U Girls Elite

12U Girls Classic

13U Girls Championship

13U Girls Elite

13U Girls Classic

14U Girls Championship

14U Girls Elite

14U Girls Classic

15U Girls Championship

15U Girls Elite

15U Girls Classic

16/17U Elite

19U Girls Championship

19U girls Elite

MN Thunder Academy

Dakota Alliance SC

AYSO United

Iowa Rush Central

Iowa Rush North

CVSC

Sporting Nebraska

Des Moines SC

North Polk United

Tri-City United

Cedar Valley Soccer Club

Iowa Rush Central

FC America

Tri-City United

DCG Soccer Club

Dakota Alliance SC

Tri-City United

UFA DSM

VSA Rush

402 DA

Apex SA

Core Value Player: September 2025

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:32:21 GMT

Rush Core VAlue of the month: SEPTEMBER 2025

Congratulations to Cameron Donavon, a member of the Iowa Rush 2009 Boys team, on being recognized as the Iowa Rush Core Value Player of the Month for exemplifying our core value of Respect. Cameron consistently supports his teammates both on and off the field and goes the extra mile by helping to clean up and organize equipment after practice! Keep up the great work, Cameron!

Iowa Rush August Newsletter

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 16:04:56 GMT

August 2025 Iowa Rush Newsletter

Catch the latest Club Happenings in our August 2025 Newsletter edition!

AUGUST NEWSLETTER

Apex Soccer Academy Partners With Crossover Construction for Jersey Sponsorship

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:15:50 GMT

Apex Soccer Academy Partners with Crossover Construction for Jersey Sponsorship

We're excited to share that a local family business, Crossover Construction , will be our new jersey sponsor! Their logo will be on the back of all Apex game jerseys starting in June 2026.

This exciting partnership is made possible by Jonathon Cross, owner of Crossover Construction and a father of two boys in the Apex program. We're incredibly grateful for Jonathon's support of our local organization and the Norwalk community. His sponsorship will help us expand our offerings, including new benefits for all players and their families, such as the recent addition of the Techne Futbol training app.

Crossover Construction specializes in a wide range of services, from decks and patios to remodels and repairs, helping homeowners bring their visions to life. Jonathon and his team have seen firsthand the value of supporting youth sports, and we are so thankful for their commitment to the Apex family.

Become an Apex Sponsor

Crossover Construction's sponsorship is a fantastic example of how local businesses can make a real difference. With over 500 players in our program, Apex is actively looking for other local companies to help us continue providing outstanding opportunities for our athletes. Your support can help us:

Provide financial assistance to players in need.
Cover the cost of facility rentals for training and games.
Enhance our coach education initiatives.
Keep program costs reasonable for all families.

We offer various sponsorship levels to fit any organization's budget. To learn more about how your company can support the Apex Soccer Academy, please contact our Technical Director, Kris Ray, at kris@apexsocceracademy.com .

Andria Lang Joins Apex as Valued Sponsor

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:14:18 GMT

Andria Lang Joins Apex as Valued Sponsor

We're thrilled to announce an exciting new benefit for Apex players this fall, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Andria Lang, "Your Home Girl" with RE/MAX Concepts!

Thanks to Andria's support, every Apex 9U-10U Academy and 11U-19U Select player will receive a complimentary, high-quality Puma training jersey for the upcoming season. Andria's commitment extends beyond the jerseys; she's also sponsoring Apex tournaments, which allows us to expand our programs and enhance the benefits for all our players and their families.

As a mother of three children in the Apex program, Andria is passionate about supporting our local organization and the sport her kids love. We're incredibly grateful for her commitment to the Apex family and the Norwalk community! You can connect with Andria in a variety of ways: Google , Facebook , Instagram .

Additional training jerseys and spirit wear can be ordered here .

Become an Apex Sponsor

Provide financial assistance to players in need.
Cover the cost of facility rentals for training and games.
Enhance our coach education initiatives.
Keep program costs reasonable for all families.

Jonathan Rivera - New Director of Rec

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:15:11 GMT

Jonathan Rivera - New Director of Rec

Apex Soccer Academy is thrilled to welcome Jonathan Rivera to our coaching staff as the new Director of Recreation! Jonathan will collaborate with Apex technical leaders to implement new programs and resources specifically designed for our Recreational teams (3U-15U) and coaches. Jonathan will also be involved in our Player Development Program impacting Apex players on the Select and Rec pathways.

“We believe our recreational program is the foundation of our organization, and we're committed to investing in its continued growth and success,” stated Kris Ray, Technical Director. “Having worked with Jonathan previously, I am confident he will have a significant impact on the entire Apex family."

Jonathan Rivera is entering his 4th year as the assistant coach at Grandview University. Rivera spent the previous seven years as an assistant coach at Lyon College with four of those years with Head Coach, David Groves.

In addition to assisting with all aspects of the program, Rivera developed, implemented, and supervised the speed, strength, and conditioning program for the men’s soccer team. During his tenure at Lyon, the Scots held a 79-43-8 overall record and 48-18-4 record in the American Midwest Conference. The Scots made 3 National Tournament appearances (2015,2019,2021) and 4 AMC tournament championship games (2016,2018,2019,2021), winning both the AMC league and AMC tournament in 2021 for the first time in program history.

In addition to coaching, Rivera spent his summers assisting with the University of North Carolina Soccer Camps, which are led and directed by NCAA coaching legend, Anson Dorrance.

An undergraduate at the University of North Carolina, Rivera also played for Triangle Brigade FC where he led the team to a USASA Championship. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Rivera graduated from UNC in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis in Sport Administration.

Please welcome Jonathan to the Apex family!

Andrew Heckenlaible | Player Pathway

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:56:31 GMT

from Iowa Rush to Minnesota United

Andrew's journey with Iowa Rush Soccer Club began at the young age of 4. While "Kicks for Kids" might not have been its official name in 2010, this program marked the initiation of Andrew's soccer adventure. His enthusiasm for the game quickly became evident as he progressed through the 5U-6U program. He made the transition into Academy Soccer, where he continued to hone his abilities. After Academy, he advanced into Select Soccer, participating at this competitive level until the U17 age group. In 2022, he continued on the Iowa Rush pathway at the highest level by being selected to VSA Rush ECNL.

He was a key contributor to three Iowa State Cup-winning teams in 2019 (Iowa Rush), 2022 (VSA Rush), and 2023 (VSA Rush). His talent also took him to regional and national stages, representing Rush Soccer. He had the privilege of playing in Florida and Arizona for Rush Regional and ventured to Greece in 2021 and Costa Rica in 2022 as part of Rush National, gaining invaluable experiences and exposure. Andrew's impressive achievements were further acknowledged when he was selected to participate in two ECNL National Selection games in March and December 2022. His consistent excellence led to him being recognized with the 2021-2022 ECNL All Conference 2nd Team Award and the 2022-2023 ECNL Heartland All Conference 1st Team Award for 04-05 boys. In addition to his club achievements, Andrew actively participated in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) both locally and regionally, reinforcing his commitment to the sport.

On January 1, 2023, Andrew took a significant step forward in his soccer journey, committing to play collegiate soccer for St. Louis University starting in the fall of 2024. Andrew's dedication and versatility extended beyond Iowa club soccer, as he was a guest player for Minnesota United FC during the spring and summer (Super Cup) of 2023, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level and being exposed to a professional environment. He will continue to play with Minnesota United FC this winter. Andrew Heckenlaible's journey exemplifies the success that can be achieved through passion, dedication, and the support from Iowa Rush Soccer Club. We look forward to watching his continued success and to witnessing the journeys of our other talented athletes in the years to come.

Abby Warner | Player Pathway

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 19:09:28 GMT

from Iowa Rush to DI College Soccer

Starting out with a local club in Pella, Abby was fortunate to have dedicated volunteer coaches who ignited her love for soccer. Thriving on competition, she often played up an age group with her older sister, showcasing her talent and dedication from a young age. As her skills developed, Abby's passion for soccer guided her to the select levels within the Pella club.

The assimilation of Pella Soccer Club into Iowa Rush South opened doors to higher levels of competition and new pathways for growth. Abby competed at the select level with Iowa Rush South and was exposed to additional opportunities with Iowa Rush Central. As a guest player in Iowa Rush Central's select programs, Abby gained invaluable exposure to elite competition, setting the stage for her future success. When Iowa Rush and VSA Rush joined forces to create a nationally competitive team that would compete in the Girls Academy League, she was challenged to try out. Abby embraced the opportunity to elevate her game and raise her level of competition once again.

Abby is a current member of the 2005/06G VSA Rush team. Her nal two years of club soccer have been the most transformative, as Abby thrived among competitive teammates and coaches at VSA Rush. Competing in the Girls Academy League further broadened Abby's exposure to collegiate-level soccer, solidifying her path to playing college soccer.

Abby's dedication and hard work paid o when she committed to play for the University of Iowa in January of 2023, a testament to her journey from a local club player to a college-bound athlete. Additionally, Abby's exceptional talent was recognized with selection to the Girls Academy Mid-American Talent ID during her time with VSA Rush, further highlighting her achievements on the eld. On top of that, Abby accomplished three-time rst team all-state, all-conference, and all-district recognition while playing for Pella High School. She earned state all-tournament team honors as a junior and surpassed 100 career goals during that same year, ultimately contributing to Pella High School's third-place nish in the Iowa Class 2A state tournament in 2023.

Her story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and the opportunities provided by top-tier soccer clubs like Iowa Rush and VSA Rush in shaping the next generation of soccer stars.

As Abby's soccer pathway continues to unfold, she remains grateful for the support and guidance of her coaches, teammates, and the entire soccer community that has played a signicant role in shaping her journey. With her commitment and determination, Abby is poised to leave a lasting impact on the eld and beyond. We look forward to watching her continued success.

Ella Ubben | Player Pathway

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:56:38 GMT

from Iowa Rush to DI College Soccer

Ella's soccer journey from an aspiring young player to a committed college athlete serves as a testament to her dedication, talent, and the supportive community fostered by Iowa Rush Soccer Club and VSA Rush Soccer Club.

From 2016 to 2020, Ella was dedicated to Iowa Rush North, where she meticulously developed her skills and solidied the groundwork for her future success on the eld. In 2019, her Iowa Rush North team achieved success by clinching the championship at the State Cup. Embracing a new chapter in 2020, she made the transition to Iowa Rush Central, seizing the opportunity to broaden her experience and elevate her game to new heights. The following year brought a unique opportunity as Ella played for Iowa Rush and served as a designated guest player for VSA throughout the season, showcasing her versatility and talent on multiple fronts.

In 2022, Ella successfully earned a spot on VSA Rush where her hard work and talent were recognized by invitations to competitive tournaments with Rush Select. The Rush Select program is an international program in which Rush Soccer forms "all-star teams" that are composed of the top Rush players from all across the world. The program starts from age U13 and is available through a player's career with Rush Soccer ending at U19. The players get to see new ideas, play with top talent, learn from new coaches, and develop as players in a way most across the country can not. Ella made two appearances at the Rush Hub National Tournament in St. Louis and participated in the President’s Day Tournament for Rush Select. The President’s Day Tournament is one of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the United States, attracting teams from all over the country.

Ella's impact extended beyond the club level, as she left an indelible mark on Cedar Falls High School's soccer program. Holding the record for most career goals, Ella's prowess on the eld earned her numerous accolades. Each year, from freshman to junior, she was recognized with First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, First Team All-Metro, and Second Team All-State honors. Her leadership qualities were evident as she served as High School Captain during her junior and senior years, guiding her team to success both on and off the field.

Ella's hard work and dedication have paid off, as she committed to the University of Northern Iowa during her junior year. Excited to embark on her journey as a scholarship college athlete, Ella looks forward to competing at the Division I level for the Panthers, poised to make a signicant impact both athletically and academically.

Ella's commitment to soccer extends beyond the eld with Iowa Rush/VSA Rush, as she has dedicated countless hours to giving back to her community. Volunteering with the Iowa Rush North Kicks 4 Kids program over the last four years, Ella has made a positive impact on the lives of young aspiring soccer players and gave back to the community that fostered her growth and development.

Ella's player pathway embodies passion, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her coaches, teammates, and community. From her early days with Iowa Rush North to her commitment to play college soccer for the University of Northern Iowa, Ella's pathway is a story of determination, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. As she embarks on the next phase of her pathway, Ella stands ready to leave a lasting legacy and the Iowa Rush family looks forward to watching her continued success.