Phoenix Rising is proud to introduce a new monthly tradition, spotlighting outstanding players and coaches within our club. In our inaugural edition, we recognize Jamison Ping and Xaida Ford as Players of the Month, and David Shaw as Coach of the Month.
Xaida Ford
We would like to congratulate Xaida, player on our 2009 ECNL Girls team, who has just returned from an incredible experience, courtesy of our partnership with Generation Adidas and Inspire Sports. Xaida has been selected as part of an All-Star team that was sent to Scotland to to immerse themselves in the soccer culture of their host country. This included a variety of different activities, from training and game experiences, to the opportunity to watch both the Celtic FC men’s and women’s professional team.
During her trip to Scotland, Xaida got to explore different regions of the country, from Ediburgh Castle, to the Royal Mile, getting to experience the incredible architecture the country has to offer. Her trainings took place in a different training grounds, some of which included Celtic FC training grounds and the Toryglen Regional Football Center, and watching the women’s team train at Barrowfifeld.
Xaida summed up her experience with the following words, “it was an amazing trip, experiencing a different culture and having so much fun playing with a different group of girls from all over the Country, thank you Rising.”
ECNL Director, Paul Taylor added that this experience was due to “a great partnership with a great kid allowing Xaida to experience a trip of a lifetime.”
Jamison Ping
Jamison Ping is a player on our 2008 MLS Next team. He recently signed a USL Academy Contract for our professional side, and has begun training with them and has gone as far as making several game day rosters with the team. Jamison has been with Phoenix Rising since the age of 12, and has made an impact on every team he has has been a part of. Speaking about the opportunity to play on Phoenix Rising’s professional team, Jamison said “I’m really excited to learn and grow from the players. I hope to absorb as much as possible and improve every day while also contributing to the success of this team.”
Interim Head Coach Diego, has had some glowing reviews about him as well, “Jamison is a young and talented player from our academy. He has done very well in training with us to earn this opportunity to be with the team on a daily basis. I’m excited to see him suit up tonight and potentially make his first appearance for Phoenix Rising.”
We wish you the best, Jamison!
David Shaw
David Shaw plays a crucial role in Phoenix Rising’s success, overseeing player assessment and development. He evaluates First Team Players, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and designs targeted training sessions to enhance team and positional tactics. Shaw’s collaborative approach with the First Team Head Coach ensures a unified vision, while his focus on individual growth helps players reach their full potential.
Shaw’s responsibilities also include integrating PRFC Academy players into the First Team, providing valuable assessments and feedback to aid their transition. Additionally, he supports the Technical Staff and manages rehabilitation sessions for injured players. Through his work, Shaw helps drive Phoenix Rising’s progress, identifying and developing talent to fuel the team’s success.
