We are excited to welcome Darragh Boyle to Phoenix Rising FC. He will be serving as our new College Advisory Program Director, helping guide players and families through the college recruitment process and supporting their goals of playing at the next level. In his new role, Darragh will work to strengthen our College Advisory Program and provide valuable resources, guidance and opportunities for players looking to continue their soccer careers beyond Phoenix Rising. We sat down with Darragh to learn more about his background, his vision for the program and what players and families can expect moving forward.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and what has your journey in soccer looked like?
I was born in Waterford, Ireland, where my love for soccer began at just three years old. After moving to the United States, I continued playing club soccer in Arizona before going on to play collegiately at Yavapai College and Benedictine University Mesa.
My coaching journey has given me experience at different levels of the game, including Barça Academy in Arizona, NCAA Division III at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, and NAIA soccer at Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ). I have been around the UPSL and USL levels in various roles including Phoenix Rising USL Championship team.
These experiences have helped shape my passion for player development and guiding young athletes through their soccer journeys, both on and off the field.
2. What excites you most about joining Phoenix Rising FC and leading our College Program?
Joining Phoenix Rising FC is an exciting opportunity to build meaningful relationships with players and families while educating and guiding them through the college soccer process. I’m passionate about helping players understand what college coaches look for, take ownership of their journey, and find the right college fit academically, athletically, and personally.
3. What advice would you give young players who dream of playing college soccer?
Have passion for the game, work hard every day, and stay self-motivated because your success depends on the effort you are willing to put in. Most importantly, believe in yourself, trust the process, and never stop working toward your goals.
4. What can Phoenix Rising FC players and families expect from you and the College Program?
They can expect trustworthy guidance, honest communication, and support from start to finish. Through my experience and knowledge of the college soccer process, my goal is to make recruiting easier to understand, help families navigate each step with confidence, and provide players with a clear plan for their individual goals.
Most importantly, I want every player to feel supported, take ownership of their journey, and find the right college fit academically, athletically, and personally.
5. Away from the soccer field, what are three things our Phoenix Rising FC community might be surprised to learn about you?
- One of the coolest experiences I’ve had was taking an open-door Magnum P.I. helicopter ride in Hawaii, flying over the incredible scenery.
- I serve on the board of the North American Irish Coaches Association (NAICA), where we work to connect, support, and elevate Irish coaches and sports professionals across North America and Ireland. I’m proud to help grow a network that gives Irish coaches a stronger voice and sense of community.
- Off the field, my biggest and most rewarding role is being a dad to my one-year-old twins, Maverick and Tatum.
