Aryanna Peregrino
Phoenix Rising FC is proud to celebrate Aryanna Peregrino, a standout senior from our U19 ECNL-RL team. Aryanna’s dedication, skill, and leadership have earned her well-deserved recognition both on and off the field. She was recently named January Athlete of the Month at Mountain Ridge High School for her outstanding performance, leading her team in both goals and assists.
In February, she was voted Athlete of the Week by the Arizona Republic, further highlighting her impact.
Aryanna has also committed to Delaware State University, where she will continue her academic and athletic journey this fall. Her hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence embody the Phoenix Rising FC spirit, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements. We look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the future.
Nancy Watson
For the past ten years, Nancy Watson has been an integral part of Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer, shaping the lives of countless young athletes. Currently coaching three teams—the 2013 and 2014 girls, as well as the 2011 boys—Nancy is known not only for her tactical knowledge and coaching expertise but also for her unwavering commitment to her players.
Described by many as someone who will do whatever it takes for her players, Nancy always puts their best interests first. She cares deeply about each athlete, often prioritizing their development and well-being over herself. She never turns a player away, always finding a way to help them grow and reach the next level, both on and off the field.
Nancy holds a unique place within the club as Phoenix Rising’s only deaf coach, yet she coaches non-deaf players with exceptional understanding. Her ability to communicate and connect with her athletes on a deeper level allows her to break down barriers and provide a perspective that enriches their development.
Beyond her contributions to the club, Nancy has an inspiring history as a player. She was a member of the first-ever National Deaf Olympic Soccer Team to represent the United States at the Olympics, representing her country at the highest level. Her journey from elite competition to coaching at Phoenix Rising is a testament to her passion for the game and her dedication to the next generation.
Fellow coach and close friend Courtney shares, “Nancy is a very close friend of mine, and I cherish all the moments on and off the field that we’ve built.”
Nancy Watson’s impact goes far beyond wins and losses—she is a mentor, a role model, and a driving force for the players she coaches. Her dedication, resilience, and passion continue to inspire everyone around her, making her an invaluable part of the Phoenix Rising family.
Anthony Capetillo
Phoenix Rising player, Anthony Capetillo, also known as Tony, grew up playing soccer in Phoenix and joined the 2009 MLS Next team last fall. The Valley native has been making waves since joining the club’s 2009 MLS Next team, bringing both skill and determination to the pitch.
“I wanted to join Rising because I knew this was a great team with a great coach,” Capetillo said. “I thought this club was going to give me the best chance to get scouted and train with a professional team. I’ve already had some opportunities to train with the Phoenix Rising first team, and I hope to sign with them someday.”
A dynamic attacker, Capetillo has become a key contributor for his squad, consistently finding the back of the net. His most recent highlight came in a hard-fought match against a formidable TFA team, where he delivered the game-winning goal.
Off the field, Capetillo balances his soccer ambitions with online schooling while spending time with his close-knit family, including his parents and two older sisters. His coach, Rafa Sifuentes, describes him as “the type of player that drives himself to improve every day while helping those around him get better at the same time. When Tony joined our team, he brought with him a competitive edge to an already highly competitive team.”
With a promising future ahead of him, Capetillo is proving to be a player to watch. As he continues to develop with Phoenix Rising, we wish him all the best on his journey to play on a professional team in the future.
