Three Players, Three Paths: Rush Players Reach the Next Level

Three Players, Three Paths: Rush Connections Reach the International and Professional Game

Three Rush-connected players are taking major steps in their careers, with Lily Joseph earning a place on the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team World Cup roster, Jeremiah Antonio-Makinano receiving a call-up to the Philippines U-17 National Team, and Niko Broddar signing a professional contract with Modena FC 1912.

Their journeys differ, but each underscores the value of a development environment that prepares players for opportunities beyond the club level.

Lily Joseph spent years developing and competing within the CT Rush system before earning her place on the U.S. roster. She will now represent the United States at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, with the team scheduled to begin competition on Sept. 6. Her selection is a significant moment for Joseph and a meaningful example for younger players within the CT Rush and Vale Rush United communities. The work that leads to a national team opportunity happens long before a roster is announced, through consistent training, competition, and the ability to respond to challenges along the way.

In Hawaii, Antonio-Makinano has earned an international opportunity of his own with the Philippines U-17 National Team. The Hawaii Rush player, listed as a striker, winger, and midfielder, now enters an environment that will challenge him to adapt to new teammates, coaches, and expectations. In announcing the call-up, Antonio-Makinano pointed to the early mornings, training sessions, sacrifices, and setbacks that have shaped his journey. Representing the Philippines while coming from Hawaiʻi adds another layer of meaning to the opportunity.

Broddar’s next step takes him into the professional game. After developing with Rush Canada, he signed a professional contract with Modena FC 1912 in August 2026. Rush Canada has long focused on helping players prepare for opportunities beyond the academy, with players progressing to TFC, youth national teams, universities, and other levels of the game. Broddar’s move to Modena adds another example of what that pathway can look like.

Joseph, Antonio-Makinano, and Broddar are at different stages, environments, and have different goals. Their stories shouldn't be reduced to a single success formula. What connects them is the work done before the announcement.

This distinction matters for young players and parents. While national team selections and professional contracts are visible, development occurs earlier through training, tough matches, coaching conversations, and perseverance amid uncertainty.

Rush clubs' role is to foster environments where that work leads somewhere. Sometimes, it's another team within the club; other times, a higher platform, a national team, or entering pro football.

For these players, the next step has arrived. Now, the work continues.