Rush Leadership Academy

Developing Leaders On and Off the Field

Leadership isn't just about wearing the captain's armband. It's about serving others, leading by example, mentoring younger players, and making a positive impact in your community.

The Washington Rush Leadership Academy provides players with meaningful opportunities to develop leadership, coaching, volunteer experience, and professional skills while giving back to the club that helped develop them.

Whether your goal is to become a team captain, Programs Assistant Coach, Girls Academy Advisory Panel representative, or simply a stronger leader, the Leadership Academy prepares you for success.

*All participants need to be U14 or older.

Apply Now

Leadership Pathways

Community Engagement & Mentorship

Make an impact through volunteer service and community outreach.

Opportunities include:

Rush Cup
Summer Games
Community Festivals
School Partnerships
Youth Clinics
Club Outreach Programs

Leadership Academy members help younger Rush players by:

Supporting team events
Encouraging positive culture
Assisting with youth programs
Demonstrating leadership through service

Students may earn volunteer hours for many Rush Leadership Academy activities.

Coach Education

Build the next generation of Washington Rush coaches.

Originally created as the Apprentice Coach Training Program, this pathway introduces players to coaching through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Participants will:

Learn the fundamentals of coaching
Shadow experienced Rush coaches
Assist with practices
Lead age-appropriate activities
Receive feedback from mentor coaches
Develop confidence leading younger players

Successful participants receive priority consideration for future coaching opportunities within Washington Rush Programs, including:

Mighty Mites
Junior Academy
Partnership Programs
Summer Camps
Holiday Clinics
Paid coaching positions as available

Girls Academy Player Advisory Panel

Girls Academy players have the opportunity to serve on the Girls Academy Advisory Panel, a player-led leadership group representing every Girls Academy club across the country. The panel gives athletes a direct voice in shaping the future of the league while developing leadership, collaboration, and service skills.

The Girls Academy Advisory Panel is made up of player representatives from clubs across the country who work together to:

Represent the voice of their teammates and club
Provide player feedback to league leadership
Develop community service initiatives
Collaborate on league-wide projects
Help improve the Girls Academy player experience
Build connections with players from across the nation

Team and Club Representatives are nominated by the Girls Academy coaches.

Leadership Roles

The Leadership Academy Executive Council is made up of four leadership positions, each offering a unique opportunity to take on greater responsibility, develop leadership skills, and make an impact within Washington Rush and the community. Together, the Executive Council works with Rush staff and Academy members to lead initiatives, support club programs, and represent the voice of players. Executive Council members will earn volunteer hours for their leadership and service throughout the year.

President
Leads the Leadership Academy, represents player voices, and works with Rush staff and student leaders to set goals and drive initiatives.

Vice President
Supports the President by coordinating projects, organizing Academy activities, and helping keep members engaged and accountable.

Marketing & Communications Manager
Promotes the Leadership Academy by creating engaging content, highlighting player leaders, and supporting club communications and outreach.

Event Operations Coordinator
Helps plan and execute Leadership Academy events, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives while ensuring activities run smoothly.a

Ready to Join the Academy?

Apply Now

Contact Liz Ratanasitee (Daly), Director of Programs and Community Relations, with any questions: lizd@washingtonrush.com