Wichita, KS (February 13, 2024) – Kansas Rush Wichita (KRW) and the board of directors are pleased to announce that the club has decided to return to the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) U21 for the 2024 season. The club has a historical reputation of producing many of the area’s strongest female soccer players, with over 100 former KRW girls graduating onto college soccer in the past 10 years. The team competed in their inaugural season of the WPSL U21 during the summer of 2023, finishing with an overall record of 6-2-0 under the guidance of head coach Kyle Eno. Eno has most recently joined the coaching staff of the NWSL professional side KC Current. The team is led by former US Women’s National Team Head Coach, Vlatko Andonovski.
KRW has announced the appointment of Rey Ramirez as Eno’s replacement for head coach of the WPSL U21s. The club has also appointed Darin Smith as assistant coach under Ramirez. Ramirez was originally part of the KRW coaching staff from 2014-2016, before returning to the club in 2019. Ramirez has been a staff coach for both boys’ and girls’ youth teams. ”I'm extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to coach some of the top young female players in our area. KRW WPSL U21 team will compete against top notch competition; that challenge is motivating. I look forward to working alongside a talented and experienced coaching staff. Last year, the journey began with Kyle Eno and Julian Ramirez completing an amazingly successful inaugural season. Today, the journey continues,” stated Coach Rey Ramirez.
Darin Smith recently joined KRW in January of 2024 as a staff coach for multiple girls’ teams. Smith is also part owner and head coach of Wichita Aero FC, a women’s indoor team competing in the PASL. Many local talents are also familiar with Smith as one of the lead trainers at Ultimate Soccer Academy. Smith explains, “I am very excited about joining forces with Rey Ramirez this season and the rest of the KRW WPSL staff. I look forward to coaching some of the best talent Wichita has to offer.”
“First and foremost, we want to thank last summer’s coaches for their hard work and dedication in making our inaugural season in the WPSL nothing but a success. Kyle Eno and Julian Ramirez were wonderful ambassadors of the game and represented the club in a first-class manner. We would also like to congratulate Kyle on his recent move to professional soccer with the KC Current in the NWSL,” stated Adam Hunter, KRW Technical Director. “With our most recent appointment of Rey Ramirez and Darin Smith, we are looking to build off a solid foundation with an ever growing player pool. Both of these coaches not only bring their knowledge to our players, but they possess a presence that will bring players to the club.”
The team will start open training/tryouts on May 22 and play an six to eight-game schedule that will run from early June through early July. More details to be released about the additional coaching staff, tryouts, match schedule, player announcements and youth summer training opportunities.
THE RAMIREZ FILE:
High School Playing Experience: Garden City High School
College Playing Experience: Dodge City and Garden City Community Colleges
Kansas Rush Wichita
Staff Coach
Coaching Experience
Olympic Development Program
Maize South High School - 5A State Champion 2x
United Soccer Coaches and NFHS National Coach of the Year
THE SMITH FILE:
High School Playing Experience: Andover High School
Kansas Rush Wichita
Staff Coach
Coaching Experience
Wichita Aero FC - Women’s Indoor competing in the PASL (2022-current)
Wichita B-52s - Men’s Indoor competing in the MASL (2014-2016)
Ultimate Soccer Academy - Owner/Trainer