Trust the Process: Meet Chris Panayiotou, Director of Soccer at Rush Union by Neil McNab, Rush Union Soccer

Earlier this year, Rush Union Soccer welcomed Chris Panayiotou as a Director and key leader within our organization. With an extensive background in player development, coaching education, and leadership, Chris brings a wealth of experience that will further strengthen our commitment to excellence.

Chris joined Rush Union Soccer after serving as the Boys Director of Coaching for Virginia Rush since 2014, as well as holding key leadership roles within Rush Soccer, including Developmental Technical Director and Rush Select XI Staff Coach. His experience spans multiple levels of the game, from grassroots to elite competition, and he has worked extensively as a US Soccer Coach Educator for Grassroots Licenses and the Club Technical Leader Course.

A highly credentialed coach, Chris holds UEFA B, USSF B, C, and D licenses, as well as the National Youth License and Director of Coaching License. His passion for player development has been recognized through multiple accolades, including VYSA Recreational Boys Coach of the Year (2015), Competitive Boys Coach of the Year (2016) and the Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Impact Coach National Award (2016). Throughout his career, he has guided teams to state and regional championships.

“We are excited to add someone of Chris’s caliber and experience to Rush Union,” said Neil McNab, Executive Director of Rush Union Soccer. “His expertise in developing young people as players and educating coaches will be invaluable in enhancing our programs and helping our players reach their full potential.”

Beyond his coaching achievements, Chris has been a leader in community outreach, spearheading initiatives like "Club in the Community," which partnered with the Virginia Beach School District to introduce over 100,000 children to soccer.

Rush Union Soccer continues to build a leadership team dedicated to fostering growth, competition, and passion for the sport. Chris’s addition marks another step in elevating the level of coaching and player development within the club.

For more information about our programs, visit www.rushunionsoccer.org or follow us on social media. Chris said “I am thrilled to have joined Rush Union and to see what I can add to the club and community. I am excited to continue my learning journey and look forward to serving the community. My family and I are excited for this next chapter.”

What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to their success?

Smile often. Hold each other accountable.

Please describe the most memorable games/tournaments/championships your team has won.

As a player, winning the British Association of Sport in Colleges national championship was super. As a coach, reaching the Region 1 finals with the Va Rush 2010 boys and then going to US Club Nationals in California.

How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?

I remind them to trust the process and that we work hard as effort never has a bad day.

Describe your proudest coaching moment.

Recognizing when Nikki was having a tough time in life.

What is the biggest life lesson you've learned from being a coach?

Everyone has a story – be kind.

What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?

Keep as many children and people involved in the sport for as long as possible by creating the best possible environments. Every experience should give children roots to grow and wings to fly. We should aim to prepare the children for their World Cup, not the World Cup.

Anything else you'd like to add:

I have been blessed to coach thousands of children over the years and be a part of their journey as people and players. It is amazing the influence we can have on children’s lives, but what is even more amazing is the influence that they can have on our journey.

Learn more: www.rushunionsoccer.org

Follow them: https://www.instagram.com/rushunion