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Rush Soccer Celebrates Gatorade State Honors!

August 10, 2026
A girl wearing a kentucky jersey is on a gatorade player of the year poster

Devin Lee, Hawaii rush


Lee, a senior midfielder at Iolani School, helped lead the Raiders to a 13-0 record and their second consecutive Division I state championship. He finished the season with 12 goals and 12 assists, including a goal and an assist in Iolani’s 5-2 victory over Punahou School in the state final.


His contributions earned him repeat recognition as the Honolulu Advertiser Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the state tournament. Beyond his production, Lee was recognized for his communication, energy, and ability to elevate the players around him.


 Lee maintained a B average and will continue his academic and athletic career at California State University, Fullerton in fall 2026. His journey has become an example for younger Hawaii Rush players, showing that a pathway from the islands to Division I college soccer is possible.

Read more about Devin >

A gatorade player for the hawaii rush soccer team

Tanner Nichols, Mississippi Rush


Nichols, a senior forward at Madison Central High School, led the Jaguars to an undefeated 21-0-2 season and the Class 7A state championship. He recorded 20 goals and nine assists, including a goal in Madison Central’s 2-0 win over Biloxi High School in the state final.


A First Team All-State selection, Nichols completed his high school career with 33 goals and 16 assists. His impact extended beyond scoring, with coaches recognizing his work rate, leadership, and commitment on both sides of the ball.


Nichols maintained an A grade average in the classroom, while participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serving his community through his church. He has also volunteered as a youth soccer coach and counselor, helping younger players enjoy and grow through the game. Nichols will continue his soccer and academic journey at Meridian Community College this fall.
Read More About Tanner >

A poster for a gatorade player of the year

Jared Mateaki, Alaska Rush


Mateaki, a senior midfielder at Dimond High School, led the Lynx to an 18-0-1 record and the Division I state championship. He scored 14 goals and added 16 assists, including the assist on the only goal in Dimond’s 1-0 win over West Valley High School in the state final.


A three-time Cook Inlet Conference First Team selection, Mateaki was recognized for his speed, technical ability, composure on the ball, and influence throughout the game.


Mateaki has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and contributed to community service initiatives through his church. He maintained a 3.44 weighted GPA and remains undecided on his college destination. Read More About Jared >

A soccer player with the number 14 on his shirt

Ellison Haynes, LA Krewe Rush


Haynes, a senior forward at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, led the Bulldogs to a 14-7-1 record and the Division II regional final. He finished the season with 39 goals and 11 assists, setting school records for single-season goals and career goals with 64.


The Division II All-State Offensive MVP and a three-time All-State selection, Haynes also spent part of his sophomore and junior years in Germany at the FC Bayern Munich International Soccer Academy before returning to Louisiana for his senior season.


Haynes has volunteered with Catholic Charities of Acadiana at St. Joseph’s Diner and served as a guest speaker and ambassador at the Positively Affirmed Youth Mental Health Summit. He maintained a 3.53 GPA and will play soccer on scholarship at Xavier University of Louisiana this fall. Read More About Ellison >

A soccer player with the number 14 on his shirt

Tate Duax, VSA Rush


Duax, a senior forward at Ankeny Centennial High School, helped lead the Jaguars to a 17-1-2 record and the Class 4A state title game. He scored 28 goals and added 21 assists while earning First Team All-State recognition for the second time.


Duax was also selected to the 2025 ECNL Heartland Conference U17 First Team during club play. His movement, involvement, and finishing ability helped him create opportunities for himself and those around him throughout the season.


Away from the field, Duax has volunteered as a mentor for children with special needs and supported the Special Olympics. He has also advocated for the foster child community. Duax maintained a 3.47 weighted GPA and will play soccer on scholarship at Northeastern University this fall. Read More About Tate >

Five accomplished student-athletes earned recognition after standout seasons defined by performance, leadership, academics, and service.


Rush Soccer is proud to celebrate Devin Lee, Tanner Nichols, Jared Mateaki, Ellison Haynes, and Tate Duax, who were named the 2025-26 Gatorade Boys Soccer Players of the Year for Hawaii, Mississippi, Alaska, Louisiana, and Iowa, respectively.


The Gatorade Player of the Year program recognizes student-athletes for excellence in competition, the classroom, and their communities. These five honors reflect years of development and consistent work while marking an important step in each player's pathway.

These awards recognize more than successful seasons. Lee, Nichols, Mateaki, Haynes, and Duax have demonstrated how technical development, competitive performance, academic responsibility, leadership, and community involvement can work together throughout a player’s journey.



Their next opportunities also highlight the different pathways available to players who remain committed to their growth. Rush Soccer congratulates each player, along with their families, coaches, teammates, schools, and local soccer communities, on this well-earned recognition.

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About Rush Soccer

Formed in 1997, Rush Soccer is the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 60,000 players in 50 countries. Comprised of 175 clubs around the globe, Rush Soccer has cultivated a reputation of excellence on and off the field all while maintaining a local feel in the communities we serve. This expansive global footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for our entire player base to pursue pathways all the way to the highest level of professional soccer. Our breadth and depth of programs support our network of local clubs, coaches, staff, and partners. For more information about Rush Soccer, visit www.rushsoccer.com.

 

Media Contacts:
Rush Soccer Media Relations
Phone: (833) 546-7874
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com

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