Phoenix Rising FC’s youth academy continues to prove its strength as a true pathway to the professional game. This season, several academy standouts have been given the chance to train and even compete with the Rising first team, highlighting the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
Earlier this year, Jamison Ping signed a professional contract, becoming one of the latest academy players to make the leap into the pro ranks. Alongside him, players such as Tristan Shaw, Eziah Ramirez, Alexander Balanzar De La Cruz, Zachary Dasilva, Anthony Capetillo, Cyrus Kowell, and Pierce Rizzo have all earned valuable opportunities to train and play with the first team. Rizzo, in particular, recently became the youngest goal scorer in Phoenix Rising history—an accomplishment that underscores the impact academy players can have at the professional level.
The pathway has also supported players who have since moved on to collegiate soccer. Braxton Montgomery not only trained with the first team but also made meaningful contributions on the field, logging valuable minutes and showing he could compete at the professional level before beginning his college career. Similarly, Jan Villela trained with the Rising first team prior to heading to college, carrying those experiences with him as he continues his development.
These opportunities reflect the dedication of the club, the professional team, and head coach Pa-Modou Kah to investing in the future of the game. By opening doors for young players to learn, grow, and test themselves in a professional environment, Phoenix Rising continues to demonstrate its belief in the power of youth development and its commitment to preparing the next generation of Rising stars.
