Erik Bushey

U17 & Interim U19 Head Coach

Erik Bushey joined the Colorado Rapids in April of 2017 and currently serves as the head coach of the Academy U17 team. In 2017 Erik assisted the Rapids USL U23/PDL team. He was named head coach in 2018 and helped the team to a first-place mountain division finish.

Erik’s coaching career spans over 25 years and includes roles as director of coaching for Jackson FC (1995-2000), college assistant coach at Whitworth University and technical director for Colorado Rush Soccer Club (15.5 years). Erik has been a staff coach for region III ODP boys, an assistant and head coach for region IV ODP boys, an id2 national staff coach, a USL W-League head coach, a World Cup assistant coach for the US U17WNT as well as assistant coach for the US U23WNT. He has directed club teams to five national championships (coached three of them), directed two development academy teams to top 8 finishes nationally, and in his club experience, has helped the development of over 40 national team players and over 20 professional players.

Originally from Auburn, Washington, he graduated from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi where he was part of a NAIA national championship side in 1992. His playing career continued seven more years in the USISL/PDL for the Jackson Chargers (USL National Championship runner’s-up) and Spokane Shadow. Erik played, captained and coached at the USL level during his time in Jackson and Spokane.

Erik holds his USSF “A” license, NSCAA national diploma and the Academy Director’s License.

Erik currently lives in the Denver area with his partner Cami and has three stepchildren: Rylie, Connor and Alaina.